The aim of this study is to investigate the predictors of clinical status and service use of a representative sample of children who participated in an innovative multicomponent intervention called Scallywags, a secondary prevention programme for young children at risk of developing conduct disorder. A representative sample of 81 families agreed to contribute to a longitudinal follow-up study two to three years after participation in the intervention. Results showed that participation in the programme was associated with a `non-clinical' outcome for nearly 50% of children. Predictors of `clinical' status included family demographics (carer relationship status and family income), child variables (initial problem behaviour level and parent-reported neurodevelopmental disorder) and family factors (parenting stess). Children who participated successfully in the intervention were subsequently significantly less likely to require further specialist children's services. Implications for integrated children's services and future research are explored.
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