Project Description

Minn-LInK Report Brief—Special Topic No. 25, Fall 2015
Authors: Mickelson, N., Piescher, K., & LaLiberte, T.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate children’s functioning over time as a result of receiving treatment at Washburn Center for Children. The evaluation focused on understanding how children’s behavior and symptomology (as measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

[SDQ]) changed over time. In addition, children’s functioning in other areas of life, including school and the community were examined. This study answered the following research questions, prioritizing clinical change among children served by Washburn Center:

    1. Do children served by Washburn Center show progress through reduced symptoms over time as measured by the SDQ total score and sub-scale domains (i.e., emotions, conduct, hyperactivity, peer relationships, pro-social skills, and overall impact)?
      a) Are significant reductions in symptomology evident for children who complete
      treatment as well as those who do not complete?
      b) Are significant reductions in symptomology evident across all program types?
    2. What factors predict treatment completion among children served by Washburn Center?
    3. Do children served at Washburn Center show improved functioning compared to their peers on academic achievement, reductions in CPS involvement, and juvenile court involvement?

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Minn-LInK is a unique collaborative, university-based research environment with the express purpose of studying child and family well being in Minnesota using state administrative data from multiple agencies.