Interactive behaviours for building independence in exceptional youth

A project, which deployed key workers (KWs) to support vulnerable young people (YPs) in post-school transition, aiming to enhance independence and employability, was evaluated. KWs and client YPs were interviewed, and KWs were observed in interaction with YPs. The clients interviewed were generally very positive about the project. Most KWs reported they used a wide range of interactive behaviours with their clients, but the correlation with behavioural observations was weak. Observation suggested a few behaviours were used frequently, but most very rarely. In particular, actually observed building active independence behaviours were very few. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed