Youths over 18 receiving support from the child welfare service: evolving motivation in the interaction between the youth and the caseworker

Abstract

This article focuses on the interaction between youths and caseworkers and how it influences youths’ motivation during emerging adulthood. The study is based on qualitative interviews with 10 youths aged 18–23 and six child welfare caseworkers. The interviews were analysed using a phenomenological and hermeneutic approach. In the analysis, we examine which factors motivated youths to evolve in the interaction between the youth and the caseworker. The findings interrelate and categorize into four topics: Interaction to explore youths’ desire for independence forms a base for evolving motivation. Secondly, motivation evolves in the interaction to tailor the follow-up to meet youths’ wishes and needs. The third topic shows that relationships with support allow motivation to progress. Last, interaction relies on caseworkers’ presence and competence. Evolving motivation involves balancing support and self-determination, contributing to youths coping, development and autonomy.