How Can We Meet the Needs of Young People in Vulnerable 'NEET' Situations? A Realist Research Protocol to Evaluate the Delivery and Implementation of (Re)Engagement Initiatives in Northern Sweden

Abstract

Background Situated in the northern Swedish context, the project presented in this protocol aims to explore and establish how multi-component ‘(re)engagement’ initiatives work, while providing directions for strengthening the delivery and implementation to better meet the needs of young people in vulnerable ‘NEET’ situations (‘not in employment, education or training’). In this regard, the research emerges from international and national concerns about the challenges faced by young people who are marginalised from mainstream institutions. It is also a response to the ‘(re)engagement’ initiatives that have been implemented, but never rigorously evaluated, in Sweden, which means a substantial body of relevant knowledge is at risk of being lost, and that we currently lack evidence about what works to reengage young people that are neither studying nor working. Methods To address the aim and three subsequent research questions, two methodologies will be combined in three phases. Following an iterative analytical process, where results from a realist evaluation will inform a concept mapping study, the project will involve: 1) a realist review of international academic and grey literature to identify underlying programme theories and explore how ‘(re)engagement’ initiatives are expected to work; 2) a realism-based case study to scrutinise the programme theories and assess whether the ‘(re)engagement’ initiatives work as intended; and 3) a participatory concept mapping study to provide directions for strengthening the delivery and implementation of ‘(re)engagement’ initiatives in northern Sweden. Discussion While ‘(re)engagement’ initiatives may not be a solution to the problems that exist in labour markets and educational systems today, they may be a partial and perhaps provisional saviour for young people who have already ended up at the margins of society. By evaluating how these initiatives work while providing directions for action, the current project will contribute knowledge useful to improve the support to young people in vulnerable ‘NEET’ situations who need the courage to dare enter a world that has let them down once before.