Factors associated with dropping out of child and family treatment

Abstract

This study investigated factors related to attendance and continuation in family-oriented treatment at a child guidance clinic. As expected, attendance and continuation were related with chronicity of the presenting problem, nature of the referral source, initial clinical perceptions of the family and predictions about termination, and family attendance in evaluation and treatment sessions. Attendance and continuation in treatment, however, were not related with family socioeconomic status and other demographic factors. The implications of these findings for treatment planning are discussed.