Cost-Effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy for Youth Probationers in Singapore: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of Functional Family Therapy (FFT) compared to Treatment As Usual (TAU) among 120 youth probationers in Singapore. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) was calculated to determine the cost per unit of non-recidivism, covering the period from probation inception to 3 years post probation. Overall, FFT showed higher costs (S$1183 vs. S$1070) but better non-recidivism rates (79% vs. 65%) compared to TAU. The ICER was S$807 per youth probationer (95% CI: S$230-S$1,061). For high-risk youth, FFT was both less costly and more effective (ICER: -S$2396), while for moderate-risk youth, it was more costly but more effective (ICER: S$2809). Using willingness-to-pay benchmarks published by Cohen et al., FFT was considered more cost-effective than TAU. The study concluded that FFT is a cost-effective intervention for youth probationers in Singapore.