Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment modalities in the context of 'real world' clinical settings to improve outcomes for children/adolescents with serious emotional disorders and adults with severe mental illnesses.

Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) (Marvin Swartz Co-PI). While the newer or so-called atypical antipsychotic agents have gained rapid acceptance as a therapy of choice in the treatment of psychotic disorder, there is little evidence that these agents are superior or cost-effective when compared to conventional antipsychotic agents This multi-site study examines the cost-effectives of newer antipsychotic medications when compared to conventional agents. This project is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. (1999-present).

Therapeutic Foster Care in a System of Care - Competing Continuation (Betsy Farmer PI, Barbara J. Burns PI, Maureen Murray, Shannon Dorsey).
This continuation builds upon findings from a previous study of treatment foster care and employs a randomized trial design to examine effectiveness of an enhanced model of long-term TFC for improving treatment and outcomes for youths. A subset of agencies from the original study will be involved in implementing and evaluating this enhanced model for their treatment families who wish to participate. This study holds tremendous potential to increase knowledge about moving evidence-based practice into 'real world' treatment, to examine essential features of long-term care, and to better understand factors that influence treatment and developmental outcomes. The project is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2003-2008).

What Affects Outcomes in Group Homes for Youth (Betsy Farmer, PI, Barbara J. Burns, PI, Maureen Murray, Kelly Kelsey). This study examines factors and processes associated with outcomes in group homes. Group homes are a commonly-used out-of-home placement for youth with mental health and behavioral problems. There is a great deal of concern in the field about their safety and effectiveness. However, at present, there is very scarce research to address these issues. The current study builds from the available research on group homes, emerging research on core processes in evidence-based care for youth, and recent and ongoing work on an adjacent level of care -- therapeutic foster care. The study methodology is based on collection and analysis of data from group home administrators, staff, and youth. The project is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2007-2012).