Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Youth crime rates have stabilized after prior declines, underscoring the need for early identification of adolescents at risk of offending within Child Welfare Services (CWS). We analyzed multi-informant assessments collected at CWS intake from 129 youths enrolled in a randomized controlled trial that compared Functional Family Therapy (FFT) with Treatment as Usual (TAU). These data were linked to national registry records of criminal charges at 18 and 36 months post-intake. Parent-, self-, and teacher-reported rule-breaking behavior, self-reported delinquency, and teacher-reported callous-unemotional traits significantly predicted later criminal charges. FFT was associated with reduced offending among school-attending youths, particularly those with higher risk profiles. Incorporating multi-informant assessments at CWS intake may help identify youth at risk and inform targeted preventive interventions.</p>