OUR STORY
The Youth Untroubled team initially developed the ISTAC model (also known as Systemic Integrative Treatment) in 2017, whilst working at the Brandon Centre, London. It is an adaptation of Multi-systemic Therapy (MST), developed in accordance with NICE guidelines to better meet the needs of children and families with complex and multiple problems and ultimately reduce out-of-home placements for children deemed beyond parental control. The model has been commissioned by several local authorities and mental health trusts across London, and nationally by F-CAMHS, and has been evaluated in a study by the Youth Endowment Fund.
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In 2022, the Youth Untroubled founders decided the time had come to expand provision of the model outside of London - and Youth Untroubled Ltd was born. We also started adapting the original model so that other children, young people and young adults with differing complex needs could benefit from our intensive, goal-orientated, community-based, multi-systems approach to assessing, treating and overcoming problems.
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We have since devised various adaptations of the model, including brief interventions such as 1:1 parenting workshops and consultations. The Youth Untroubled team currently provides ISTAC and ISTAC Post 18 SEND across the South of England, and ISTAC Schools and Colleges (SAC) in Sussex; we are in the process of facilitating a national roll-out of all ISTAC adaptations. The team also provides brief parenting support services and interventions, and specialist consultation and training for other professionals.
We believe it’s time to give ALL families the skills and opportunity to create loving, stable, and safe environments where children can thrive.
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The Journey So Far ...
Mission Statement
Youth Untroubled was set up to facilitate a National roll-out of the ISTAC model, across Health, Education and Social Care. We aim for ALL children on the edge of care, or facing custody or inpatient admission, and their families, to be able to access our intensive, community-based, therapeutic intervention that actually works.
As well as providing information about the ISTAC model and the adaptations we provide, we intend for istac.co.uk to be a hub of expert advice for professionals working with children and families with a range of complex needs. We intend for our sister site, Youth Untroubled, to become THE place for parenting advice and support - from early intervention to the most complex of situations.
We are here, for everyone involved in caring for children and supporting them to reach their full potential ... for parents, carers, families, friends, and professionals. For you.