Evaluating A-CRA for Youth in Institutional Care

The Effectiveness of A-CRA in Compulsory Institutional Care for Youth - an Independent Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06094972

This study is testing a new approach called A-CRA to see if it can help young people in locked care facilities overcome substance use problems and improve their behavior.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment220 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 21 Years
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Fagersta, Västmanland and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06094972 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) for youth aged 16-21 who are placed in compulsory institutional care due to substance use disorders and socially disruptive behavior. A-CRA is designed to promote long-term abstinence and improve social stability while addressing co-morbid psychiatric issues. The study aims to assess both short- and long-term effects of A-CRA on substance use and behavioral problems in this vulnerable population. Given the unique challenges of institutional settings, this research seeks to adapt and implement A-CRA in a way that is effective for youth in locked care environments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are youth aged 16-21 who are currently placed in institutional care and are struggling with substance use disorders and socially disruptive behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive or psychiatric conditions that prevent them from providing informed consent or undergoing assessment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for youth with substance use disorders in institutional settings, leading to better long-term social and emotional stability.

How similar studies have performed: While A-CRA has shown effectiveness in outpatient settings, this study represents a novel approach as it adapts the intervention for use in compulsory institutional care, which has not been extensively evaluated before.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 16-21
* Placed in institutional care
* Suffers from SUD and socially disruptive behaviour
* Ability to read and understand informed consent and interventions

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cognitive or psychiatric condition preventing the ability to provide informed consent or undergo assessment or interventions
* Serious somatic condition requiring acute medical attention

Where this trial is running

Fagersta, Västmanland and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Substance Use DisordersCriminal Behavior
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.