Mutual Aid among Young People with Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Proposed Theoretical Framework

Abstract

Among young people with emotional and behavioral problems, mutual aid is likely to be of valuable assistance in their rehabilitation, and be deserving of social work support. The benefits of mutual aid stem from the possibility that it prolongs the effect of the contribution of social work services. Given the potential benefits of mutual aid, it is imperative to clarify ways for social work services to maximize these benefits. This paper reviews the existing literature on mutual aid among young people with emotional and behavioral problems. In so doing, we seek to develop a theoretical framework that encompasses key factors conducive to the mutual aid and rehabilitation of this population. These factors include the type of aid, specificity of aid, and balanced coordination in social work input to young people's mutual aid. In particular, balanced coordination requires the social worker not to make excessive intervention in the mutual aid group and thus encourages an optimal use of resources.