Intensive Systemic Therapy Around the Child (ISTAC)
Overcoming emotional and behavioural difficulties, achieving lasting change
ISTAC (also known as Systemic Integrative Treatment) was initially devised in 2017 by the Youth Untroubled team whilst working at the Brandon Centre, London. It is an adaptation of Multisystemic Therapy (MST), developed to better meet the needs of children and families with complex and multiple problems. The model has been commissioned by several local authorities and mental health trusts across London, and nationally by F-CAMHS. Youth Untroubled is currently commissioned to provide ISTAC in the south of England.
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ISTAC is a community-based treatment programme, developed in accordance with NICE guidelines, to treat antisocial behaviour, chronic conduct disorders, and complex emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and young people. It is a cost-effective, evidence-based alternative to out-of-home placements and/or treatment (in foster care, secure accommodation, and CAMHS inpatient units).
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The Youth Untroubled team have devised various adaptations of ISTAC, including ISTAC Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB), ISTAC Transitions (for young people currently placed outside of the family home in care, custody or CAMHS inpatient units), ISTAC Domestic Violence, ISTAC Post 18 SEND and ISTAC for Schools and Colleges.
Want to know more?
We accept referrals from local authorities, healthcare trusts, education providers, prison and probation/YOT, and more, and can deliver ISTAC in person or virtually.
If you'd like to discuss a referral or multi-case commission of ISTAC (including ISTAC HSB and ISTAC Transitions), or have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.