This is an experiment to evaluate the impact of non-manualized family-based treatment approaches on adolescents with behavioral and substance use problems and their families. The objective is to assess whether non-manualized family approaches are effective to reduce aggressive and antisocial behaviors, and to increase treatment adherence through family involvement, compared to intervention approaches that do not include the family.
Participants are referred to the program by foster care institutions, rehabilitation clinics, community programs and/or child and adolescent protection institutions. Treatment consists of strategic structural family therapy with parents and children or adolescents to develop healthy relationships and effective parenting techniques, develop emotional and communication skills, reduce negative emotions and symptoms, and increase problem-solving skills.
Sessions are held weekly, either individually or in groups.