Sassenheim

Researchers are studying how treatment motivation changes over time in youth and their parents involved in forensic systemic therapy, specifically focusing on Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) within juvenile justice settings. This research aims to understand how motivation develops during both inpatient and outpatient phases of therapy and to identify factors that influence motivation and its effect on treatment retention and goal achievement. The study uses a Multiple Case Experimental Design to closely observe these changes and mechanisms in a small group of juveniles and their families. Participants will receive Multidimensional Family Therapy, a structured, evidence-based program targeting youth substance use, delinquency, and related issues, as well as improving parents' skills and family communication. The therapy consists of residential MDFT during a short or longer detention period, followed by outpatient MDFT. The study includes phases labeled A (baseline), B (residential MDFT), and C (outpatient MDFT). Two studies will be conducted: one with an ABC design involving 10 cases with short detention and another with an AB design involving 6 cases with longer detention. Throughout the study, treatment motivation will be assessed from the perspectives of youth, caregivers, and therapists using validated questionnaires multiple times during each phase, as well as through qualitative data collected at the end of each phase. These assessments will occur frequently over periods ranging from 2 weeks to 9 months depending on the phase. Researchers will monitor how motivation evolves and impacts therapy progress, retention, and goal completion, ensuring thorough evaluation across the inpatient and outpatient treatment timeline.