Systematic follow-up as a road to improving knowledge-based work in family support social services – an example with the Family Check-up model

Research problem and specific questions: With the new Social Services Act expected to take effect 2025, there is a need for a better understanding of how to create continuous learning through systematic follow-up in social services.

Within the area of Child and youth services, an increased focus on knowledge-based work has happened in the form of implementing evidence-based parent support, but routines for systematic follow-up in practice is considered insufficient.

The project aim is therefore to investigate how work with the Family Check-up (FCU) model, with its implementation framework and associated Information Support System Registry (ISSR), relates to and contributes to a more knowledge-based social services.

Data and method: The project will apply an exploratory, sequential mixed-methods design in three steps. 1) Analysis of existing data in the FCU ISSR to understand how information from agency implementations and family self-reports relate to the regulations for working knowledge-based in the new Social Services Act. 2) Results focus group discussions, centered in part around results in Step 1, with managers and providers about their experiences of systematic follow-up and the possibilities for increased knowledge development and knowledge base in work with the FCU. 3).

Integration and conclusions through a process of triangulation and analysis of commonalities and discrepancies in the results from steps 1 and 2.

Societal relevance and benefits:  The project addresses an important area - the establishment and sustainability of knowledge-based social service of good quality for child and youth mental health - both from the perspective of the new Social Services Act and for the needs of families.

By shedding light on experiences from the practice setting from service users and organizational representatives, we hope to reach a holistic understanding anchored in real-world practice.

The findings can contribute to the work with implementation-, change- and improvement more broadly and in doing so benefit more families with at-risk youth. Project realization: Requested funds will primarily cover salaries and associated costs for project members. Project members have knowledge and experience of relevance to the project.

The group also has experience conducting research in practice settings, and established collaboration with participants of interest in the social service agencies.