Multisystemic Therapy Case Studies

Families disrupted by ineffective out-of-home solutions

New Mexico faced escalating costs and limited long-term success from residential treatment and youth incarceration. Too many young people were placed outside their homes, producing outcomes that failed to reduce recidivism or strengthen families. Leaders needed a proven, community-based alternative.

A statewide shift to evidence-based, home-centered care

The Children, Youth and Families Department adopted Multisystemic Therapy (MST) statewide, investing in a model proven to keep youth at home and improve outcomes. By blending block grants, Medicaid, and state funds, New Mexico launched pilot teams and expanded MST across rural and urban communities with strong provider collaboration.

Stronger collaboration and lasting results for youth statewide

New Mexico’s commitment to MST led to measurable improvements in youth behavior, school engagement, and public safety. Providers formed a statewide support network, meeting regularly to solve challenges and share successes. This collaboration strengthened service delivery and helped ensure sustainable, long-term outcomes for families.

High Youth Incarceration Rates and Financial Pressure

Rising youth incarceration in North Carolina strained budgets and failed to deliver meaningful outcomes. As group homes closed and resources tightened, traditional approaches proved unsustainable. State leaders began searching for a solution that reduced confinement while preserving accountability and results.

A strategic investment in accountable, evidence-based treatment

North Carolina identified Multisystemic Therapy (MST) as a fiscally responsible, evidence-based alternative to youth incarceration. The state revised Medicaid standards to strengthen provider accountability and partnered with MST Services to oversee quality and expansion. This strategic approach supported sustainable growth while maintaining high standards of care.

Sustainable growth with strong youth and family outcomes

North Carolina expanded from just eight MST teams to more than thirty statewide. With a clear vision and careful oversight, the program improved utilization, strengthened referral partnerships, and delivered consistent results. Youth remained at home, remained engaged in school, and avoided further involvement with the justice system.

Traditional approaches failed to interrupt youth crime

Despite national efforts to improve public safety, Chile lacked a structured intervention for youth already involved in crime. Existing responses did not adequately address the family and community factors driving behavior, increasing the risk of repeated justice involvement. Leaders sought a coordinated, evidence-based solution to close this gap.

A national investment in evidence-based, family-centered care

As part of the “Security for All” initiative, Chile selected Multisystemic Therapy (MST) to address youth crime through intensive, in-home treatment. The national government partnered with MST Services and funded implementation through municipalities selected based on social vulnerability and youth justice involvement.

Measurable outcomes through coordinated government action

Since launching MST in 2012, Chile has served thousands of families nationwide with consistently strong outcomes. Youth remained at home, stayed engaged in school or work, and avoided further justice involvement. The alliance between national leadership, municipalities, and MST Services created a scalable, sustainable model for prevention.