Evolution of Functional Family Therapy as an Evidence‐Based Practice for Adolescents with Disruptive Behavior Problems

Abstract

This article summarizes the evolution of functional family therapy (FFT) based upon four decades of clinical practice and scientific scrutiny through research evidence. FFT research has evolved from an initial focus upon clinical process research, which examined sequential exchanges between therapists and family members. A key element of this research has been an examination of the way in which clinicians acquire, consolidate, and maintain the skills needed to implement FFT effectively with youth and families. Many randomized efficacy and effectiveness studies have evaluated the impact of FFT across diverse clinical populations. Subsequent research investigated factors that influence the effectiveness of implementation across more than 300 clinical settings in which more than 2,500 trained clinicians have provided service to nearly 400,000 families. Another important set of investigations concerned the cost-effectiveness of the interventions.

Summary of comparison between FFT-CW ® and Usual Care sample from Administration for Children's Services

“…The main objective of this secondary data analysis project was to evaluate the impact of an innovative approach, FFT-CW ® , on treatment outcomes for youth and families in a child welfare setting (Alexander et al, 2011; Robbins et al, 2016; Rowland & Davidson, 2011). This investigation was the first large scale, systematic study of the FFT-CW ® program.…”

“…This approach is an evidence based, widely disseminated, cost effective family intervention for at-risk and juvenile justice involved families (Robbins et al, 2016). The FFT-HR model includes five phases: (1) Engagement, (2) Motivation; (3) Relational Assessment (4) Behavior Change; and (5) Generalization (see Alexander et al, 2013).…”

“…The main objective of this secondary data analysis project was to evaluate the impact of an adaptation of Functional Family Therapy (Alexander, Waldron, Robbins, & Neeb, 2013; Robbins, Alexander, Turner, & Hollimon, 2016) on the quality of treatment and prevention services for child maltreatment and allied problem behaviors in a child welfare setting. This adaptation called Functional Family Therapy-Child Welfare ® (FFT-CW ® ) was described in a detailed clinical manual (Alexander et al, 2011) and was put into practice with families ( n =1625) in all five boroughs of New York City following a detailed implementation protocol (Rowlands & Davidson, 2011).…”

“…This paper examines one approach to address some of these issues – an adaptation of the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model (Alexander et al, 2013), which has been widely disseminated with over 400,000 families receiving services in 14 countries (Robbins, et al, 2016). The efficacy and effectiveness of FFT for adolescents with behavior problems is well established (Robbins et al, 2016).…”

“…The efficacy and effectiveness of FFT for adolescents with behavior problems is well established (Robbins et al, 2016). More model research is available at the FFT website (http://fftllc.com).…”