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Systemic Therapy For At Risk Teens (START)
START (Systemic Therapy For At Risk Teens) is a major research study spread across 9 sites in the UK investigating a form of intervention (multi systemic therapy) developed in the United States for young people and their families who are experiencing difficulties at home, at school and sometimes with the law. This way of helping young people and their families is new to the UK. The study is one the largest of its kind, recruiting 700 families, representing a collaboration between University College London, the University of Cambridge and the University of Leeds, funded by the Department of Health and the Department of Education.
We aim to carry out a pragmatic trial that will inform policy makers, commissioners of services and professionals about the potential of MST in the UK. We will determine whether the provision of MST can reduce the incidence of out-of-home placements, severe mental health problems, educational problems or unmet need. Moreover, we aim to establish the cost of MST in comparison to usual services, and the cost-effectiveness of providing this intensive form of intervention.
