Two Studies Assessing Early Intervention Fit of Independent Living Services in Sweden

Abstract

Purpose: Young people transitioning from out-of-home care are a vulnerable group. This article reports two studies aiming to increase understanding of how to develop interventions for this group and focuses on preliminary intervention fit from the youth and social worker perspective. Methods: We conducted two small-scale studies. Social workers (Study I, n = 2; Study II, n = 9), and youth (Study I, n = 9; Study II, n = 13) completed self-report surveys containing both closed- and open-ended questions regarding the services with which they delivered and participated. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to analyze data. Results: Program content took longer to deliver than expected. Both studies indicate that the interventions were generally seen as fitting by youth and social workers. Social network and communication components were perceived as less fitting. Discussion: The results indicate that the interventions have the potential to achieve good fit and encourage further development and study.