Multisystemic Therapy Programs

235 South Queen Street
Dover, Delaware 19904
Phone: 302-672-7159
Fax: 302-672-7178

 

The Multisystemic Therapy Program (MST) is a family-focused, comprehensive, community-based treatment program serving multi-problem youth. The program is designed to promote positive behavioral change within the youth’s natural environment. This is accomplished by first identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each family and youth, and their interactions with peers, friends, school, probation officers, and courts; and then addressing the dynamics of those interactions.

Objective

The interrelated goals of the program are to rehabilitate recidivist juvenile offenders; to strengthen the motivation and capacity of their parents to set limits, provide effective discipline, and express emotional support; and to maintain the integrity of the family.

Population Served

The Multisystemic Therapy Program serves both male and female youth, generally between the ages of 10 and 18. Clients are referred from the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS). They are under the supervision of the Division by court order, placed on Level III, and would otherwise be placed in a residential facility.

Other Admission Criteria

The following youth are not eligible for MST services: Youth adjudicated delinquents who are in need of sex offender treatment; youth committed for a mandatory period of confinement under Title 10, Delaware Code, Section 1009e; youth who have no family structure with which to work as identified by the MST staff through client/family interview.

Fees & Charges

There is no charge to the client for MST services. The Multisystemic Therapy Program is compensated by the State of Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families.

Services in Detail

Any combination of the following services may be provided to the youth and her/his family, as needed:

· Family therapy
· Marital therapy
· Individual sessions with youth
· Individual sessions with parents
· Evaluation of the youth’s peer network and arranging alternative activities
· Consultation with schools
· Coordination of activities with school systems, court, and/or other social services agencies
· Arranging psychiatric consultation

Hours of Operation

Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Emergency/Crisis Intervention: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year