Key aspects of intervention to support runaway youths

: the experience of IAC

Abstract

This report is the result of the integration of literature analysis and qualitative research analysis conducted during an internship at the Instituto Apoio Criança, in Lisbon. Documental analysis, direct observation, the construction of biograms and interviews were performed to investigate social work interventions with runaway youths. The target group in question is vulnerable youths and their families who have engaged in runaway behaviour, meaning they have permitted one or more nights outside of their homes without the consent from their parents, or they spend extensive time on the streets.The main objectives of the investigation are to identify the causes for runaway behaviour, paying particular attention to the role of the family, and to explore the suitable social work interventions aimed at this group. Specifically, to identify the positive aspects of intervention and the existing challenges, to highlight which methods can guarantee a greater success, and how intervention can be made more efficient. The report’s theoretical foundations are built on the ecological perspective as it considers the social environment of an individual and in turn, the challenges this implies for intervention.Results show that positive aspects include building trust and collaborative relationships with the youth, their families and other entities. To do so, values of listening, care, flexibility, tolerance, patience, empowerment and support must be encouraged. Furthermore, although risk factors are commonly found in the family context, they are present in multiple environments (individual, family, school, community, society), implying the need to conduct holistic needs assessments and establish a multidisciplinary intervention for a more guaranteed success. Lastly, considering the heterogeneity and uniqueness of runaways, intervention should be flexible and individualised.

Date of Award	5 Jul 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Oliveira (Supervisor)