A strengths based method for homeless youths: Effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast.

Houvast (Dutch for 'grip') is a strength based method grounded in scientific evidence as well as 'what works' principles. Houvast is aimed at improving the quality of life of homeless youths bij focusing on their strengths stimulating there capacity for autonomy and self-reliance.
The effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast will be tested in 14 Dutch service accomodations for homeless youth. Social workers within the experimental group (n = 7) received training. The social workers within the control group provide care as usual and did not receive training. Measurement of primary and secondary outcomes will be conducted among youths within the experimental (n = 150) and control condition (n = 150) by means of a structured interview at baseline and subsequently 3-6 months and 9 months after baseline.

The effectiveness and fidelity of Houvast will be tested in 14 Dutch service accomodations for homeless youths.

It is expected that the quality of life of homeless youths within the experimental group (service accomodations who received training) will be higher compared to the control group (service accomodations who did not receive training). In addition, homeless youths within the experimental group are also expected to have a better attainment of personal goals for recovery, a better mental health and less alcohol and drug intake.
Furthermore, it is expected that this relation is moderated/mediated by resilience, autonomy, emotion regulation and quality of the workingrelationship with the mentor. Finally, we expect a linear relationship between the degree of fidelity and the primary outcomes in the experimental group.

1. T0: Baseline (Youths start ambulant or residential care in a participating service accomodation);

2. T1: 3 -6 months after baseline;

3. T2: 9 months after baseline.

Houvast (Dutch for 'grip') is a strength based method grounded in scientific evidence as well as 'what works' principles. Houvast is aimed at improving the quality of life of homeless youths bij focusing on their strengths stimulating there capacity for autonomy and self-reliance.
The social workers of these service accommodations received a four day training given by experienced and certificated trainers. The managers received a two day training. In addition to the training in the Houvast method an implementation plan, including coaching, is executed during the period of data collection. The standard length of residential care is six months: six weeks for the setting of personal recovery goals based on individual strengths and resources; three months for the execution of the personal goals; and six weeks for evaluation. The intensity and frequency of the care youths receive depends on the type of care: contact hours in ambulant care varies on average between 2 to 6 hours a week, but is usually much higher in residential care. The Houvast method includes several instruments like the ‘strengths inventory’ and the ‘action plan’. Participating service accommodations will be randomly assigend to an experimental or control group. The social workers in the experimental group work according to the Houvast method. The social workers working in the service accommodations of the control group provide care as usual.

During the period in which youths receive ambulant or residential care from social workers, youths in the experimental group receive care according to the Houvast method.