Multi-dimensional Treatment Fostercare (MTFC) is evidence based and works with young people aged 12 – 17 in CYF care who have a history of youth offending and other externalising difficulties and Severe Conduct Disorder related problems. 

MTFC delivers treatment to young people and their families through a managed intensive therapeutic care relationship in an out-of-home foster placement. Caregiver parents play a crucial role in delivering treatment. They form part of a wider treatment team including Young Person and Family/Whanau Therapists, skills trainers, cultural advisors, educational and activity based programmes.

The programme is intensively supported, goal-oriented and time-limited, with a strong evidence-base supporting the model. Intervention is targeted at multiple levels and settings. This includes evaluating the parenting styles of both foster and biological parents, and providing individual and family therapy. It adopts a co-ordinated approach with school and community interventions within the young person’s living environment.

A treatment plan is developed for each child, and the treatment issues and risk factors are identified.

The young person is gradually re-integrated into his/her natural family (or a viable long-term alternative) with support and monitoring to ensure that consistent and effective parenting are transferred.

For further information please contact Peter Topzand (Programme Manager) on 09 573 0954 ext 207 / 021 673 872  or at petert@youthorizons.org.nz