South Carolina Program for At-risk Youth Exceeds National Averages

Charleston, SC (PRWEB) June 5, 2009

South Carolina's Department of Mental Health currently supports five MST teams around the state (one site closed in March). Recent data provided by MST Institute, a nonprofit organization solely dedicated to tracking outcomes and adherence specifically for the MST treatment model, has reported exceptional outcomes data for the state of South Carolina.

Multisystemic Therapy, commonly referred to as "MST" is a family- and home-based treatment that strives to change how youth function in their natural settings - home, school and neighborhood - in ways that promote positive social behavior while decreasing anti-social behavior. The treatment model is utilized throughout the state as an alternative to residential placement for juvenile offenders and has gone through rigorous studies to prove its effectiveness in turning young lives around.

The outcomes data for the SC MST teams were derived from 302 cases in Catawba, Richland, Greenville, Lexington, Orangeburg and Florence counties between March 2005 and March 2007. The performance indicators at discharge that were measured include the percentage of youth that remain in school and/or working, the number of youth living at home and the percentage of youth with no new arrests. South Carolina averaged more than 80 percent in all categories, which is as good as, or better than national averages.

"Our MST teams continue to excel in their work with our at-risk youth," says Louise Johnson, director of children's services at the Department of Mental Health. "Their ability to implement the treatment model with fidelity is the true reason for our success."

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health began utilizing MST for South Carolina's youth in 2002 and is considered an early-adopter of evidence-based programs. The organization originally supported seven teams. Unfortunately the MST team in Richland County was shut down in early March this year due to budgetary cuts.

"Evidence-based programs are those that are backed by scientific data and proven to be effective," explains Johnson. "Unfortunately, many social programs are often implemented with little regard to rigorous evidence, costing billions of dollars and failing to address societal needs. It is absolutely in the state's best economic interest to invest in these programs so we may afford our youth the opportunity to change and lead law-abiding and healthy lives, free from gangs, delinquency and criminal involvement."

About MST Services
MST Services' mission is to help communities implement the MST treatment model to improve the lives of youth with anti-social behavior and their families. MST Services offers comprehensive assistance with the full development of MST programs by providing program start-up assistance, initial and ongoing clinical training, and program quality assurance support services. Learn more at http://www.mstservices.com.

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