About MST - CAN

MST-CAN is a home-based intensive treatment for youth, ages 6 to 17, and their families who have come to the attention of child protection due to physical abuse and/or neglect. MST-CAN is based on Standard MST that is backed by over 30 years of research for youth with serious clinical problems and their families. Research has shown that factors in multiple systems (child, parent, family, community) increase the risk that child abuse and neglect will occur. For example, when a parent misuses substances and there is ongoing conflict in the family, risk is heightened. MST-CAN is a comprehensive treatment model that addresses difficulties occurring in each of the systems that increase abuse risk for a family (e.g., treatment for youth behavioral difficulties, parental substance misuse, trauma).

Evidence-Based Treatment

Two randomized controlled trials have applied MST to child abuse and neglect. The first trial, conducted by Brunk, Henggeler, & Whelan and published in 1987, was conducted with families where either abuse or neglect had occurred and included children down to age 6. The second trial was conducted with families where physical abuse had occurred and included youth ages 10 to 17.

The second trial was an effectiveness trial comparing MST-CAN to Enhanced Outpatient Therapy delivered in a Mental Health Center. Results indicate that across 16 months, youth in the MST-CAN condition showed:

  • Significantly greater reductions in internalizing problems such as anxiety, dissociation, and PTSD symptoms
  • Significantly fewer youth in out-of-home placements
  • Significantly fewer changes in placement

Caregivers evidenced:

  • Significantly greater reductions in psychological distress
  • Significantly greater reductions in neglectful parenting, minor and severe assault of the child, and psychological aggression
  • Significantly less decreases in non-violent discipline
  • Significantly greater increases in natural social supports
  • Significantly greater treatment satisfaction

Families That Qualify for the Program

  • Youth are between the ages of 6 and 17
  • An indicated case of physical abuse and/or neglect that was opened in the last 180 days
  • Youth who are placed out of the home are eligible as long as there is a plan to reunite the family

MST-CAN Clinical Team

MST-CAN is delivered by a team of 3 therapists, one case manager, and a full-time supervisor. In addition, a psychiatrist who can treat youth and parents provides 20% dedicated time. Therapists provide treatment a minimum of 3 times per week for roughly 6-8 months. Great emphasis is placed on engaging and retaining families in treatment.

Services Delivered in the Community

MST-CAN is delivered in the community (the family�s home, schools, neighborhoods) and incorporates treatment interventions that are supported and informed by research. All families develop a safety plan and conduct a functional assessment of physical or verbal conflicts to promote problem solving. Other treatments in MST-CAN commonly include cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, and family interventions for anger management, PTSD symptoms, family communication and problem solving, substance misuse (parent and/or youth), and abuse clarification. MST-CAN is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Only strategies that are warranted are used.

Professional Training and Support

MST-CAN incorporates the MST intensive quality assurance in all aspects of the treatment including:

  • 5-day standard MST orientation training
  • 4 days of training on the clinical adaptations
  • Quarterly booster trainings for the clinical team
  • Weekly case-specific supervision with an MST-CAN trained supervisor and consultation with an MST-CAN expert
  • Fully articulated treatment manual
  • Therapist and supervisor measures of adherence to the model

For further information contact: Joey Penman