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“Allting bygger på ungdomens egen motivation” HVB-personals främjande av ungdomars självständighet inför livet efter placering

Ahlbom, Victor LU and Pröjts, Lovisa LU (2026) SOPB63 20252
School of Social Work
Abstract
This study examined how staff at residential care homes (HVB) in Sweden work to strengthen clients' independence in preparation for life after institutional care, as well as the significance of the relationship between staff and client. Young people leaving residential care are a vulnerable group due to the absence of a secure social network and insufficient treatment for past behavioural issues such as drug abuse, criminality, and estranged attachment. Because of this, the support given to youth in residential care has been criticized by the media and welfare authorities. This qualitative study is based on seven semi-structured interviews with care workers at six residential care homes in Sweden. A strategic sampling method was used to... (More)
This study examined how staff at residential care homes (HVB) in Sweden work to strengthen clients' independence in preparation for life after institutional care, as well as the significance of the relationship between staff and client. Young people leaving residential care are a vulnerable group due to the absence of a secure social network and insufficient treatment for past behavioural issues such as drug abuse, criminality, and estranged attachment. Because of this, the support given to youth in residential care has been criticized by the media and welfare authorities. This qualitative study is based on seven semi-structured interviews with care workers at six residential care homes in Sweden. A strategic sampling method was used to ensure that participants possessed relevant experience and contextual knowledge of residential care. The data were analysed through a thematic analysis and interpreted by a theoretical framework based on Self-determination theory and the relational perspective. The results of this study show that residential care workers strengthen clients' independence through including them in competence-strengthening activities such as cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and financial training. Other factors identified as significant in supporting the development of independence were motivational work, individualised care, and fostering good relationships between residential staff and clients. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the relational and developmental work executed by residential staff. This study also points to the importance of further research about the preparational support given to youth in residential care. (Less)
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author
Ahlbom, Victor LU and Pröjts, Lovisa LU
supervisor
organization
course
SOPB63 20252
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
HVB, independence, social work, residential care, relationship, youth
language
Swedish
id
9218950
date added to LUP
2026-01-19 17:05:37
date last changed
2026-01-19 17:05:37
@misc{9218950,
  abstract     = {{This study examined how staff at residential care homes (HVB) in Sweden work to strengthen clients' independence in preparation for life after institutional care, as well as the significance of the relationship between staff and client. Young people leaving residential care are a vulnerable group due to the absence of a secure social network and insufficient treatment for past behavioural issues such as drug abuse, criminality, and estranged attachment. Because of this, the support given to youth in residential care has been criticized by the media and welfare authorities. This qualitative study is based on seven semi-structured interviews with care workers at six residential care homes in Sweden. A strategic sampling method was used to ensure that participants possessed relevant experience and contextual knowledge of residential care. The data were analysed through a thematic analysis and interpreted by a theoretical framework based on Self-determination theory and the relational perspective. The results of this study show that residential care workers strengthen clients' independence through including them in competence-strengthening activities such as cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, and financial training. Other factors identified as significant in supporting the development of independence were motivational work, individualised care, and fostering good relationships between residential staff and clients. This study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the relational and developmental work executed by residential staff. This study also points to the importance of further research about the preparational support given to youth in residential care.}},
  author       = {{Ahlbom, Victor and Pröjts, Lovisa}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{“Allting bygger på ungdomens egen motivation” HVB-personals främjande av ungdomars självständighet inför livet efter placering}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}