Effectiveness of the Coral Tree Family Service family inpatient unit: a longitudinal study exploring change in family functioning

Child mental health disorders represent a major burden to public in Australia due high prevalence rates, the widespread impact across domains, and potential for difficulties persist into adolescence adulthood. Extensive evidence exists use of parent management training cognitive behavioural therapy treat experienced by children; however, proportion children do not benefit as expected from these treatments. The complementary therapeutic approaches variations mode intensity existing intervention is warranted; family inpatient units unique example this. aim this study evaluate effectiveness well-established Australian unit that admits whole family, aged 12 years younger referred with health, behavioural, or emotional difficulties. This study's longitudinal within-subject design utilised routinely collected outcome data systemic clinical routine evaluation, 15 item (SCORE-15)—a valid reliable measure functioning—from sample 980 participants attending Family Residential Program. reported significant improvement functioning all variables between baseline post-intervention, no returning pre-intervention levels at follow-up. Clinically changes overall showed 37% participant scores moved range nonclinical post-intervention. represents first empirical evaluation Program, results provide compelling program effect families long-standing severe Poor rates questionnaire completion following frequent literature base units, low post-intervention (56%) follow-up (12%) evident study. uniquely contributes growing using rigorous methods.