An Action Research on the Practice of Independence Support Workers' Agency-Oriented <Independence Support Case Management>

Abstract

This study applied the action research method to explore the definition and practice of agency-oriented case management and the practical experience of agency-oriented case management through the collaborative work of field and academia. The two-year action research study included young adults in transition to independent living from out-of-home care and independence support workers as field researchers. In the first year of the action research, the principles were developed, and in the second year, the principles were revised, supplemented, and applied in the field. Independence support workers implemented seven principles of practice (recognizing the agency of transition-age youth, defining independence in a broad sense, providing opportunities to experience small accomplishments, acknowledging failure and modification, non-discriminatory support, continuity of relationships, and agency and community support and collaboration) and, through a process of self-reflection with researchers, proposed an action list for agency-oriented transition case management. Based on the findings of the action research, we suggest practical and policy implications for strengthening agency in supporting young people preparing for independence.