Chapin Hall

Multisystemic Therapy Shows Promise for Emerging Adults Exiting Illinois Juvenile Justice Centers

This report evaluates implementation of Multisystemic Therapy for Emerging Adults (MST-EA) in Cook County, IL. This intensive therapy helps emerging adults with behavioral health needs reintegrate into community after time in an Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) youth center.

What We Did

We analyzed survey, program, and criminal justice records to understand how MST-EA was administered to emerging adults exiting state secure care in Illinois. Delivered in-person, via phone, or online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study involved 27 young men aged 17–19 from 2020 to 2022. Participants were primarily Black or African American (83%) and Hispanic or Latino (13%), with most presenting multiple behavioral health diagnoses. These include serious mental illness (97%), marijuana use concerns (97%), and alcohol or other drug use concerns (69%).

What We Found

• Program implementation: High fidelity to the therapeutic model was observed in program duration, counseling sessions, therapist adherence, and client satisfaction.
• Virtual service provision: Integrating virtual sessions allowed services to continue and supported program engagement during the pandemic. Some youth displayed resistance to virtual services. Other barriers included distractions, trouble accessing a mobile device, and lack of a quiet, private space to communicate with the therapist. Therapists provided devices and data, among other strategies, to overcome these challenges.
• Program completion: About one-third of participants (32%) completed all program requirements. Early discharge was typically due to the end of the Aftercare period, new criminal charges, or the youth ceasing communication with staff.
• Program outcomes: Over half of participants (57%) achieved measurable progress on at least one outcome, including improvements in interpersonal competence (50%), mental health (25%), alcohol or other drug use (11%), and marijuana use (7%). All participants (100%) were housed, and 89% lived in the community at discharge. About half were attending school or working at discharge. No participants faced new drug charges and around 82% had no new legal charges at the time of discharge.
• Recidivism outcomes: Recidivism was defined as technical violations, adult court convictions, and juvenile court adjudications that happened during enrollment and within 6 months after discharge. Three of 24 participating youth (13%) received a technical violation. None received a juvenile court adjudication. Five of 24 MST-EA participants (about 21%) were known to have a new adult court conviction.

What It Means

The MST-EA program’s initial implementation highlights its potential to support transition age youth in re-entering the community. Strong organizational partnerships, a well-targeted referral pipeline, and high model fidelity contributed to these positive outcomes. The initial success of MST-EA in Cook County sets a foundation for its continuation and potential expansion throughout Illinois and reinforces the program’s promise in fostering rehabilitation and community integration for youth with complex behavioral health challenges.

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