Strategy for troubled teens threatened by lack of funds

A programme helping troubled teenagers with behavioural problems and delinquency issues is working better than any method tried before, according to research.

However, despite a 50% rate of complete clinical recovery — compared to the 18% recovery rate of other services — lack of funding is putting the ground-breaking strategy at risk.

Families First, using the Family First Therapy (FFT) method, provides help and guidance to young people and their families across Clondalkin, Tallaght, and Ballyfermot. The model was developed in the US and adopted in Ireland in 2007 by the youth charity Archways.