Reducing the risk of criminal exploitation using multi-systemic therapy (the RESET Study): study protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Criminology
• Social Work

Background:

• Child criminal exploitation is a severe form of child abuse impacting youth welfare and safety.
• Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive, community-based intervention for youth with antisocial behaviors, often associated with exploitation risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a pilot feasibility study and process evaluation of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for children at risk of criminal exploitation.
• To adapt and assess the suitability of MST for this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• The study involves a two-phase approach: refining the MST logic model and conducting a pilot study with a process evaluation.
• Data collection includes questionnaires from parents and youth at multiple time points, supplemented by MST site data linkage.

Main Results:

• Pilot study accrual occurred between August 2021 and May 2022.
• Full results of the feasibility and process evaluation are anticipated for publication in 2023.

Conclusions:

• The findings will guide decisions regarding the progression to a pilot clinical trial of MST for children at risk of exploitation.
• This research aims to establish evidence for adapting MST to address child criminal exploitation.