About Brandon Centre Systemic Integrative Treatment (SIT)

Systemic Integrative Treatment (SIT) is Brandon Centre’s own specialist evidence-based model developed specifically for families of young people facing persistent moderate to severe behavioural challenges. SIT has been delivered across London for over a decade through commissioned contracts and on spot-purchase basis.

SIT equips families with the tools they need to manage and reduce concerning or dangerous behaviours, preventing young people from entering often traumatic and costly out-of-home care. SIT also supports families with young people already in the care system, helping them to return home.

SIT accepts referrals from professionals in social services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and youth offending services seeking intensive, evidence-based treatments to support young people with complex, multi-faceted needs.

SIT was independently evaluated by the University of Hertfordshire in 2023, funded by the Youth Endowment Fund which demonstrated compelling findings about SIT’s ability to reduce problem behaviours, improve family functioning and reduce offending and emotional and behavioural challenges.

In 2025, SIT was recognised by the London Children’s Services Practice Spotlight as an example of best innovative practice that improves outcomes and delivered value for money for children with complex needs who are in care, or on the edge of care.

The Treatment

SIT is a two-phase, 12-month treatment programme for families of children aged 8-16. The first phase lasts for six months (or up to eight months for harmful sexual behaviour) and involves an intensive, individualised home-based treatment led by a designated SIT therapist. The therapist addresses the young person’s behavioural issues by working predominantly alongside the primary caregiver(s), whilst also collaborating with other agencies, such as school, CAMHS and social care. This systemically informed approach means that the key adults in the young person’s life align their strategies, resulting in significant and sustained behavioural change.

During this phase, sessions occur two to three times a week in the family home, with flexible scheduling to accommodate the family’s needs. A 24/7 on-call telephone service is also available for parents during this intensive phase.

SIT draws on multiple-models which includes but not limited to family therapy, CBT, behavioural therapy, trauma-informed therapy, creative therapies and other clinical approaches to assess and address childhood behaviour and complex family issues.

The second phase includes gradually tapered, sustainability-focused sessions with the family, booster sessions as needed, participation in professional meetings, and ongoing consultations with the referrer and key professionals, extending the total treatment duration to up to 12 months.

In addition, we have a tailored and specialist adaption to support young people displaying Harmful Sexual Behaviours which is delivered over 14 months.

Outcomes and Impact (2020-2025)

  • 89% of young people were in education by the end of treatment. Most were not in education when referred.
  • 85% of young people placed in an out-of-home placement, because of behaviour problems, returned home by the end of treatment. 50% of returns were within five weeks of treatment starting and 75% were within nine weeks.
  • 96% of young people committed no further offences during SIT treatment.
  • 63% reduced their social care status. This includes reducing from custody, looked after status, child protection, child in need and early help through to case closure with social services.
  • 100% of parents/carers reported SIT improved their child’s behaviour.
  • 80% of families reported reduced child-to-parent physical violence during and after SIT.
  • 92% of young people displaying harmful sexual behaviours showed measurable reductions during and following SIT.
  • 45% of young people supported have a diagnosis of, or present with ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). SIT has significant experience adapting its approach to effectively support neurodivergent young people and families.
  • 100% of families available for data collection reported their child remains living at home, is in education and is regularly attending school.

Referral Criteria

**Essential Inclusion Criteria for Young People:**

  • Aged 8 to 16 years.
  • Living at home, in long-term foster care, or in a short-term placement with a plan to return home.
  • Intellectual functioning above 65.
  • Behaviours to be addressed include at least one of the following: school refusal, regular absconding, violence, self-harm, substance misuse, offending, defiant or severe oppositional behaviour, or harmful sexual behaviour.
  • Parent or carer to have been made aware of the nature of the service and consented to an initial assessment.

**Also Accepted:**

  • Children whose behaviour risks placement out of the family home (e.g., into care, custody, or hospital) or threatens foster placement stability.
  • Children with ADHD or high-functioning ASD exhibiting the above behaviours.

**Additional Criteria for Harmful Sexual Behaviour:**

  • Offence is no longer in the police or court system.
  • Offence occurred no more than two years ago.
  • Parental or carer acknowledgment of the offence (absolute denial is not acceptable, but minimisation can be addressed).
More information about SIT treatment can be found in our marketing pack and referral form

BC SIT for professionals SIT referral form

If you are a commissioner or professional interested in referring a child to SIT or seeking more information, please contact us at familyservice@brandoncentre.org.uk, or call Brandon Centre reception on 020 7267 4792.