A specialized response team was recently introduced to support at-risk youth in need of intensive assistance in Uvalde, Comal and Hays Counties.
According to information in a press release, the new Multisystemic Therapy team was funded as part of the state’s initial $105.5 million response to the Uvalde tragedy, which included $4.7 million to fund seven new MST teams across the state.
Officials stated that MST is a proven family-and community- based treatment for at-risk youth ages 12 to 17 with intensive needs. It has proven most effective for treating youth who have committed or are at risk of committing violent offenses, have serious mental health or substance abuse concerns, are at risk of outof- home placement, and have experienced abuse and neglect. It is the only evidence-based treatment that has been shown to reduce violent crime among adolescents, bringing rates down by as much as 75%, officials stated.
