The Open Family Studies Journal

2017, 9 : 49-59
Published online 2017 August 09. DOI: 10.2174/1874922401709010049
Publisher ID: TOFAMSJ-9-49

RESEARCH ARTICLE
 Support for Children as Next of Kin and Systematic Follow up - Group Leaders’ and Managers’ Perspectives Within Non-profit Organizations in Sweden

Asa Carlsund1,2, * , Pauline Johansson2,3 , Ulf Hammare2,4 and Elizabeth Hanson2,3

* Address correspondence to this author at the Mid Sweden University Nursing Science, Östersund, Sweden; E-mail: asa.carlsund@miun.se

ABSTRACT

Method:

The aim of this study was to explore the systematic follow up of supportive activities in non-profit organizations targeted at children as next of kin. Managers and group leaders were interviewed, and findings were content analysed.

Result:

The findings indicated that a child focus, education, safety and trust were important. These factors were observed as the primary tasks and the key reason for being involved in supportive activities. Managers expressed concern about not retaining funding, if the organization was unable to demonstrate the effects of their activities. Namely, to enhance the health and wellbeing of children. In order to continuously develop their work most organisations explained that they used some form of system for follow up. However, there was a wide variation in how non-profit organizations worked with follow ups.

Conclusion:

Overall, it was evident that there was a major need for education and support in this area.

Keywords:

Children as next of kin, Non-profit organizations, Supportive activities, Systematic follow up.