Intensive Systemic Therapy Around the Child (ISTAC), also known as Systemic Integrative Treatment, is a community-based treatment programme, developed in accordance with NICE guidelines, to treat antisocial behaviour, chronic conduct disorders, complex emotional and behavioural difficulties and harmful sexual behaviour in children and young people. ISTAC is a cost-effective, evidence-based alternative to out-of-home placements and/or treatment (in foster care, secure accommodation, and CAMHS inpatient units).
 

ISTAC 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 local authorities and mental health trusts across London and nationally by F-CAMHS. Youth Untroubled is currently commissioned to provide ISTAC and various adaptations of the model in the south of England and the Home Counties and is in the process of facilitating a national rollout.