Family and parenting interventions for conduct disorder and delinquency: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

AIMS: To determine whether family and parenting interventions benefit children and adolescents with conduct disorder and delinquency. METHODS: Meta-analysis of eight randomised controlled trials involving 749 children and adolescents (aged 10-17 years) with conduct disorder and/or delinquency. Criminality, academic performance, future employment, problem behaviour, family functioning, parental mental health, and peer relations were evaluated. RESULTS: Family and parenting interventions significantly reduced the time spent by juvenile delinquents in institutions (weighted mean difference 51.34 days). There was also a significant reduction in the risk of a juvenile delinquent being rearrested ..