History of MTFC

The MTFC program model is rooted in research conducted since the early 1970s by Gerald Patterson, Ph.D., and John Reid, Ph.D., at the Oregon Social Learning Center in Eugene, Oregon. Social learning theory and principles form the basis for the MTFC model. Numerous research studies have been funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) to identify the predictors of child and adolescent conduct problems, antisocial behavior, and mental health problems. Over 20 years of study in these areas have led to the development and adaptation of MTFC for a variety of populations.

The first MTFC program was established by Patricia Chamberlain, Ph.D., and colleagues in 1983, and targeted serious and chronic juvenile offenders. That program continues today and is funded by the Oregon Youth Authority and the Lane County Department of Youth Services. In 1992, MTFC was adapted for severely emotionally disturbed youngsters (ages 9-18) who were leaving the Oregon State Hospital. Today that program is funded collaboratively by the local Department of Health and Human Services (Child Welfare) and LaneCare, the county managed care Medicaid program. In 1996, through the Oregon State Department of Health and Human Services, a program for low-intelligence, emotionally disturbed youth (ages 6-18) with problems such as aggression, fire setting, self-harm, drug or alcohol abuse, or sexual acting out was established. In 1996, Phil Fisher, Ph.D., and colleagues developed the MTFC-P model to focus specifically on the needs of preschool-aged children. Over the years, the program model has been expanded to fit the needs of youngsters from all of the major publicly-funded child service systems (juvenile justice, mental health, and child welfare) and MTFC programs are now funded in Oregon by multiple public agencies and organizations.

In 1998, all MTFC service activities were transferred from the research center, Oregon Social Learning Center, to OSLC Community Programs, an organization that is dedicated to the delivery of evidence-based outpatient and MTFC services. The consistency of the support for the MTFC programs through the years has provided a solid framework to build upon.

Currently, implementation services, consultation, and technical assistance are provided by TFC Consultants, Inc., for sites interested in implementing MTFC programs.

AWARDS AND HONORS

1998 Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention/Center for Substance Abuse Prevention/University of Colorado Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence: "Blueprint" Program. One of 10 programs selected for replication on the basis of demonstrated effectiveness.

1998 The Wall Street Journal: "In Oregon, a Novel Way to Rescue Violent Kids." A full-length feature article in the October 23rd edition.

1999 Department of Health and Human Services: "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General." Selected as a model program for children’s mental health care.

2000 Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention/Center for Substance Abuse Prevention/University of Utah Department of Health Promotion and Education. Selected as 1 of 7 Exemplary I programs (highest rating category) in the Strengthening America’s Families series, based on scientific evidence of effectiveness.

2000 Science, Vol. 289, July 28th: "Violence: The Shots Heard Around the World." Described as an effective and economically attractive treatment approach for delinquent adolescents.

2001 American Youth Policy Forum: "Less Hype, More Help: Reducing Juvenile Crime, What Works – And What Doesn’t." Featured as an effective family-oriented approach to treating juvenile offenders.

2001 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "Youth Violence: A Report of the Surgeon General." Selected as a model program for violence prevention.

2001 U.S. Department of Education: An Exemplary Program For Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-free Schools (1 of 9).

2002 The American Youth Policy forum featured MTFC as a guiding light for reform in juvenile justice (Less Cost, More Safety).

2003 The Washington Post: "Individual Treatment Gains Favor Approach Effective, Cheaper, Adherents Say." An article in the July 18th edition.

2003 The Chicago Sun-Times: "Care of Troubled Kids at Crossroads." An article in the July 21st edition.

2004 Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control: "Therapeutic Foster Care for the Prevention of Violence." MMWR Vol. 53 #RR-10