Menu
Functional Family Therapy (FFT)
Program theory
Family Functional Therapy (FFT) uses a model of short-term, assertive outreach to assist young people with behavioural and emotional issues and their caregivers to repair and strengthen their relationships, improve the way they communicate and reduce conflict in the home.
Duration
Average 12-20 sessions over 3-5 months.
Program components
FFT uses a strengths-based model built on a foundation of acceptance and respect.
Key ‘phases’ of the program include engagement, motivation, relational assessment, behaviour change and generalisation.
Evaluation
FFT service providers are required to collect data from both young people and caregivers.
This program has been collecting information since the 1970s. However, testing has not occurred specifically on the cohort of adolescents using violence in the home.
For a summary of research, please see: https://www.fftllc.com/about-fft-training/fft-research.html
Proximal outcomes
Improved family functioning evidenced
by:
- Improved communication skill
- Improved adolescent behaviour
- Improved parenting skills for handling subsequent problems
- Improved parental supervision
- Decreased family conflict
Distal outcomes
- Young person remains at home
- Young person in school/education/employment
- Young person is violation free (where relevant)
- Young person has improved mental health
Eligibility
Young person is 10-18
(FFT-CW program is aimed at working with caregivers of 0-18-year-old children)
Referrals
The young person is referred from Child Protection, youth justice, education, mental health or other child and family services.
Further reading
Alexander, J.A., Waldron, H., & Robbins, M., & Neeb, A. (2013). Functional Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavior Problems. American Psychological Association.
Blueprints for Health Youth Development: https://www.blueprintsprograms.org/functional-family-therapy-fft/
California Based Clearing House for Child Welfare: https://www.cebc4cw.org/program/functional-family-therapy/
