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Economic Evaluation of Multisystemic Therapy for Young People at Risk for Continuing Criminal Activity in the UK

Author

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  • Maria Cary
  • Stephen Butler
  • Geoffrey Baruch
  • Nicole Hickey
  • Sarah Byford

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether multisystemic therapy (MST) is more cost-effective than statutory interventions that are currently available for young offenders in England. Method: A cost-offset evaluation of MST based on data from a randomised controlled trial conducted in North London, England, comparing MST with usual services provided by two youth offending teams (YOT). Service costs were compared to cost savings in terms of rates of criminal re-offending. Results: 108 adolescents, aged 11–17 years, were randomly allocated to MST+YOT (n = 56) or YOT alone (n = 52). Reductions in offending were evident in both groups, but were higher in the MST+YOT group. At 18-month follow-up, the MST+YOT group cost less in terms of criminal activity (£9,425 versus £11,715, p = 0.456). The MST+YOT group were significantly cheaper in terms of YOT services than the YOT group (£3,402 versus £4,619, p = 0.006), but more expensive including the cost of MST, although not significantly so (£5,687 versus £4,619, p = 0.195). The net benefit per young person for the 18-month follow-up was estimated to be £1,222 (95% CI −£5,838 to £8,283). Conclusions: The results reported in this study support the finding that MST+YOT has scope for cost-savings when compared to YOT alone. However, the limitations of the study in terms of method of economic evaluation, outcome measures used and data quality support the need for further research.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Cary & Stephen Butler & Geoffrey Baruch & Nicole Hickey & Sarah Byford, 2013. "Economic Evaluation of Multisystemic Therapy for Young People at Risk for Continuing Criminal Activity in the UK," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(4), pages 1-6, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0061070
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061070
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julia H. Littell & Melanie Popa & Burnee Forsythe, 2005. "Multisystemic Therapy for Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems in Youth Aged 10–17," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 1(1), pages 1-63.
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    1. Julia H. Littell & Therese D. Pigott & Karianne H. Nilsen & Stacy J. Green & Olga L. K. Montgomery, 2021. "Multisystemic Therapy® for social, emotional, and behavioural problems in youth age 10 to 17: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(4), December.
    2. Hester V Eeren & Saskia J Schawo & Ron H J Scholte & Jan J V Busschbach & Leona Hakkaart, 2015. "Value of Information Analysis Applied to the Economic Evaluation of Interventions Aimed at Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: An Illustration," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(7), pages 1-15, July.

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