E1, F1

Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care: Outcomes and Implementation

Presenters: Patricia Chamberlain, Lynne Marsenich

Abstract Category: Child Welfare          

Instruction Level: Beginner

Presentation: Click Here

Description:      

Implementations of MTFC, an altenative to group/residential care for children and teenagers with challenging mental health and behavioral problems is being examined in a state-wide study.

Abstract:

The challenges of implementing the MTFC in real world settings will be the focus of this presentation. Like other evidence-based models, MTFC has been tested in numerous clinical trials, yet there is little research on "what it takes" to implement these models into routine practice in community mental health, juvenile justice and child welfare settings.  A state-wide study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health is underway that examines the implementation of MTFC in California communities.  Characteristics of the model, and an overview of the research on outcomes  will be described.  Using lessons learned from the California experiences, factors that are thought to be key to implementation of evidence-based models in the "real world" will be discussed.