Models of Service Delivery and Interventions for Children and Young People with High Needs: Literature Review

Children and young people in the child welfare system who have high needs generally present with complex problems, including significant histories of abuse (as victims, perpetrators or both), serious mental health issues, ‘challenging’ behaviours, intellectual and learning disabilities, histories of school suspension/expulsion, and difficult familial relationships. These children and young people are often involved in two or more service systems. The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of services and interventions for children and young people with high emotional and behavioural needs who are in out-of home care (OOHC) or at immediate risk of entering OOHC. Given that most of the research has been conducted in the United States, the review discusses key issues in applying promising services and interventions to the Australian context. In addition, it examines approaches for the coordination and integration of multiple services for children and young people with high needs. Finally, it highlights areas where further research is needed.