More of what? Issues raised by the Fort Bragg study

Abstract

The sobering findings of the Fort Bragg study illustrate why ambitious demonstration projects must be combined with objective outcome evaluations. The study does suggest that "more is not always better" (L Bickman, 1996), but more of what? Little is known about the specific interventions that were combined to form the Fort Bragg system of care, so the study does not really reveal what failed or what needs to be changed. Moreover, there is no evidence that the specific treatments used had any empirical support. Combining and systematizing various treatments may not produce improved outcomes if the treatments are not effective in the first place. Costly demonstration programs that combine untested treatments may be a poor investment. A better strategy may be to develop and test an array of well-documented treatments for an array of child and family problems, creating the building blocks needed for effective systems of care in the future.