Randomized Field Trial of Multisystemic Therapy in Ontario, Canada

Randomized Field Trial of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) in Canada

This four-year evaluation of multisystemic therapy (MST) is now completed. The last families were inducted into the study in December of 2000 and follow-up of the 409 cases continued until 2004.

Final Results

The final results of the Ontario MST project can be found here.

One Step Forward

One Step Forward: Lessons Learned from a Randomized Study of Multisystemic Therapy in Canada

This 32-page report focuses on the methodology used and describes 10 ways the wrong conclusions could have been made about MST with a less rigorous design. These points are illustrated using the follow-up data available in January, 2002. This document will be helpful for researchers conducting randomized field studies. Policy makers will benefit from understand how research can be used to improve programming.

Seeking Effective Interventions for Serious Young Offenders

Seeking Effective Interventions for Serious Young Offenders: Interim Results of a Four-Year Randomized Study of Multisystemic Therapy in Ontario, Canada.

A complete description of the MST project and all analyses on follow-up data available at September, 2001. Results are presented in the context of the ecology of implementation. Readers reviewing MST for potential adoption in their jurisdictions will find this report helpful in understanding the contingencies that arise when implementing this expensive and challenging intervention. Details of the methodology are also described.

Research Protocol

A key recommendation emerging from this study is that, prior to any widespread adoption of MST, a randomized field trial should be undertaken with local services, local youth, and local implementation of MST. To aid these efforts, the research protocol used in this study is made available here:

Multi-site Evaluation of Multisystemic Therapy in Ontario, Canada: Research Protocol for A Randomized Trial (1999) PDF logo