The Maine Department of Health and Human Services included MDFT in their strategic plan for Children's Behavioral Health Services (CBHS) in 2023. The addition of MDFT responds to a gap exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic that escalated stress, anxiety, and substance use disorders for children, youth and families. With this initiative, CBHS aims to improve and expand the availability of services among agencies (up to 6) already providing substance use treatment for youth.

Check our most recent fact sheet on MDFT for Opioid Use and OUD. Results from the Connecticut Demonstration Project are included, showing considerable promise not only in harm reduction, but also in the elimination of opioid and other hard drug use in youth.

Our November 2023 Newsletter includes an article describing how MDFT is effective with Transitional Age Youth and their families. It also features various sections from our community, including the 10 year anniversary of the Lappeenranta MDFT team in Finland, an interview with the MDFT supervisor at CMHA Bilingual team (a program with an outstanding record of reports), and a beautiful surprise visit from an MDFT client 17 years later.

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The Maine Department of Health and Human Services published a blog on initiatives to support their strategic plan for Children's Behavioral Health. The blog provides details on these initiatives, including MDFT, collaboration with MaineCare, and the allocated funding. The CBHS team is already working with MDFT International to implement our program in the state.

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Having an adolescent or young adult child who misuses drugs or alcohol can be a nightmare for parents. Dr. Gayle Dakof, Executive Director of MDFT International, shares 5 Lessons for Parents of Teens Misusing Substances.

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The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (CT DCF) received a Regional Partnership Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau to increase well-being, improve permanency, and enhance the safety of children who are in, or at risk for, out-of-home placement as a result of parental substance misuse. CT DCF has partnered with MDFT International and Chestnut Health Systems to conduct a randomized clinical trial with over 200 families to test the effectiveness of a new therapeutic approach, Multidimensional Family Therapy & Recovery (MDFTR) to achieve the long-term goal of preventing or reducing child maltreatment and out-of-home placement.

Our April 2023 Newsletter includes a summary of our 2022 Year in Review, featuring outcome results from our programs in the U.S., SAMHSA featuring MDFT in one of their TIP series on substance use; information on a new research study we are conducting; reflections from a new MDFT program in rural Idaho; and a therapist experience implementing MDFT in Estonia.

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This study examined the short-term and longer-term sustainment of 137 programs in Europe and North America implementing Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT). Results show that 90% of MDFT programs were sustained for at least 2 years, 87% of the programs sustained for at least 5 years, and 70% for at least 8 years.

MDFT International is looking for a MDFT/MDFR National Trainer. Master's degree and past/current MDFT therapist certification required. See job description for all the details. Feel free to share with others.

The SAMHSA’s National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare compiled and released a document with resources available to adolescents with mental health and substance use concerns and adolescents at-risk for suicide. The information is provided in 5 categories: 1) mental health helplines; 2) mental health and substance use treatment; 3) talking with adolescents and young adults about suicide and mental health; 4) resources for parents, professionals, and foster caregivers; 5) additional information.

Our December 2021 Newsletter includes articles on MDFR effectiveness as a family-based child welfare intervention, study results showing long-term sustainment of MDFT, reflections from a TAY participant, and the experience implementing MDFT of the Lexington, South Carolina program.

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Congratulations to the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) from Santa Barbara, CA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) along with Outreach NY for receiving the SAMHSA Youth and Family TREE grant award (Enhancement and Expansion of Treatment and Recovery Services).