TD1069 - Provision of a Multi-Systemic Therapy Programme

Tenders are invited for the provision of services to setup and deliver a Multi-Systemic Therapy Service Programme (MST) for Derby City Council.


Multi-systemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive family focussed and community based treatment aimed at reducing aggressive, anti-social and offending behaviour in young people.

It is based on the understanding that young people are part of many systems, which all influence the way they behave, such as family, peers, school and their community. Seriously anti-social behaviour is usually driven by a complex interaction of factors that span the various systems in which the young person functions.

The aim is to deliver a licensed MST programme to meet the needs of young people aged 11-17 who, due to their behaviour, are at risk of an out of home placement either in local authority care or in custody. The key aims of the MST service are to improve outcomes for the young people in relation to educational attendance, reduction in criminal behaviour and permanence in terms of living at home. The programme must have complete fidelity to the MST model and is to be provided to young people living with their parents or carers in the City of Derby and potentially also in the County of Derbyshire.


Programme capacity reflects both the average caseload size as well as the average length of treatment of clients served. MST research has indicated that the return of improved client outcomes tends to diminish after an average of 4 months of treatment. Research has indicated that MST treatment typically lasts an average of 4 months and any cases continuing beyond a 5 month threshold must be discussed with the Commissioner to establish the exit plan. Caseloads range from 4 to 6 families per therapist.

It is expected that the successful service provider will work with a maximum of 50 families per year.

A maximum of 5 of the 50 referrals may be called off by Derbyshire County Council, though this not guaranteed. Potential bidders will need to take this into account in their response and pricing schedule.

Payment will be made for each completed intervention and only at points where certain milestones are achieved by the service provider.

The service will maintain fidelity to the MST model, and support from MST UK will ensure the provider implements the set up and on-going service in accordance with the guidelines:
http://www.mstuk.org/setting-mst-programme/implementation-process

The Annual License Fee will be met by the Provider.

The programme must be licensed prior to programme start-up. As part of this, the Provider must meet the programme requirements as detailed by MST UK http://www.mstuk.org/news-and-jobs/jobs


The initial contract period is two years. There is the option to extend for up to 24 months in annual increments, subject to performance and funding.

The contract is expected to commence 1st July 2016