Family-centered, feedback-informed therapy for conduct disorder: Findings from an empirical case study.

Using an empirical case study approach, we evaluated a Family-Centred, Feedback-Informed Therapy (FC-FIT) for conduct disorder. A single-case design strategy was used across four participant families and included 12- and 24-month follow-up assessment. Parent-rated feedback was provided through in-session outcome and session satisfaction measures and out-of-session through an independently administered parent-rated fidelity measure once a month. In terms of outcomes, families reported improved parenting and family practices and improved youth functioning, including peer affiliation. Substantial drops in youth- and parent-reported youth criminality and other antisocial behaviours were maintained across 12-month follow-up. Official reports showed offending frequency and severity reduced across intervention and follow-up, including 3 of 4 participants not offending during or following treatment. For the final participant, through 24-month follow-up, official reports noted 18 months of offending-free functioning versus the 18 months prior where 19 separate charges were laid. This study suggests that family-centred, feedback-informed services may facilitate effective, and efficient, treatment delivery for families with a conduct-disordered youth. Practice implementation factors are also considered including the use of benchmarking strategies that can be considered for use by practitioners.