The evidence-based approach to keeping children at home, thriving ...

and it works.

Intensive, community-based, therapeutic intervention, creating loving, stable, and safe families where children can thrive.

ISTAC (also known as Systemic Integrative Treatment) was initially devised in 2017 by the Youth Untroubled team whilst working at the Brandon Centre, London. It is an adaptation of Multisystemic Therapy (MST), developed to better meet the needs of children and families with complex and multiple problems. The model has been commissioned by several local authorities and mental health trusts across London, and nationally by F-CAMHS. Youth Untroubled is currently commissioned to provide ISTAC in the south of England and is in the process of facilitating a national roll-out.

ISTAC is a community-based treatment programme, developed in accordance with NICE guidelines, to treat antisocial behaviour, chronic conduct disorders, and complex emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and young people. It is a cost-effective, evidence-based alternative to out-of-home placements and/or treatment (in foster care, secure accommodation, and CAMHS inpatient units).

Preventing children and young people

being placed in care

Supporting children to return to family homes from alternative placements, and remain at home, thriving

Reducing inappropriate and unnecessary CAMHS inpatient admissions and shortening the length of admissions

Improving educational attainment and reducing truancy, preventing permanent school exclusion

Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

INTENSIVE SYSTEMIC THERAPY AROUND THE CHILD

Referrer, London

“The family I referred had struggled for years - the [ISTAC] therapist skillfully changed that and ensured that everyone, including all professionals, were on the same page. I wish we'd referred sooner!”