Outcomes of mandated preventive services programs for homeless and truant children: a follow-up study

This study examined factors predicting favorable outcomes for families participating in mandated preventive services (MPS) programs, which included a truancy diversion program and a program for adolescents from homeless families. Case records of 100 families referred out of the program between 1989 and 1994 were reviewed to ascertain social workers' ratings of five factors predicting successful outcomes. Criterion measures included compliance with the termination plan and ratings of the child's adjustment six months after MPS termination. Results indicated that the criterion measures were related significantly to four predictive factors: severity of the child's pathology, intensity of parental involvement in treatment, parental attendance, and parental understanding of the child's pathology.