RISK-FACTORS FOR DROPPING OUT OF TREATMENT AMONG WHITE AND BLACK-FAMILIES

In this study, the authors examined factors that predicted dropping ou t of treatment among White and Black children (N = 279, ages 3-13) and among families attending outpatient treatment for externalizing probl ems. Multiple factors that increase the burden of participating in tre atment are disproportionately distributed among minority families. Con sequently, the authors predicted the rate of premature termination wou ld be greater for Black than for White families and that the profile o f factors that predicted leaving treatment early would differ. The res ults indicated that Black families were at greater risk and that sever al group-specific as well as common factors can be identified that inc rease risk. Predictors of dropping out can be used for early identific ation of families at risk and for developing strategies to better enga ge families in treatment.