Mixed method cluster randomised pilot trial of Multi- Systemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN) versus business as usual for families with at least one child subject to a child protection plan

As the evidence base for the MST-CAN intervention in Children’s Social Care is not well established in the UK we propose a pilot study to:
• Explore the feasibility of implementing and evaluating MST-CAN versus business as usual in children’s social services departments.
• Explore appropriate methods to maximise recruitment and retention.
• Explore the appropriateness of parent versus practitioner versus school completion of the primary outcome.
• Explore the collection of Children’s Social Care outcomes.
• Estimate the parameters needed to conduct a definitive trial.
• Estimate potential effect and cost of delivering the intervention.
• Explore acceptability, implementation, retention, and barriers to participation with a specific focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
To conduct a scientifically rigorous study we will conduct a randomised controlled pilot trial with randomisation stratified by the three geographical areas participating. As MST-CAN is delivered to families we propose a cluster trial with the family the unit of randomisation.