A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Feasibility, Acceptability and Potential Effectiveness of an Intervention for Social Work Clients With Children Facing Complex Financial Problems in Finland (FinSoc)—Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial;




AuthorsKaittila, Anniina; Isoniemi, Henna; Viitasalo, Katri; Moisio, Meri; Toikka, Enna; Raijas, Anu; Tuominen, Jarno; Kraav, Siiri‐Liisi; Pursiainen, Tuukka; Kaitsaari, Tuula; Hakovirta, Mia

PublisherWiley

Publication year2026

Journal: Child and Family Social Work

ISSN1356-7500

eISSN1365-2206

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.70225

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.70225

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/527177517

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY NC

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Social work clients often face complex financial difficulties. To address this, we developed FinSoc, a financial social work intervention designed to improve financial literacy, strengthen economic self-efficacy and reduce financial anxiety among parents in Finland. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. Altogether, 30 social work clients participated in the study and were randomly assigned to either the intervention or a waitlist control group. Data were collected at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after and at a 3-month follow-up. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with both participants and professionals implementing the intervention. Of the 55 individuals assessed for eligibility, 30 enrolled in the study (54.5%), and 80% completed the 3-month follow-up. Acceptability was high: 13 of the 14 clients (92.9%) who completed all sessions rated the intervention as useful, and professionals viewed it as beneficial in supporting clients' financial capabilities. Although the group × time interactions for financial literacy, financial anxiety and economic self-efficacy did not reach statistical significance, the findings may nevertheless suggest some potential for effectiveness. The study was prospectively registered (ISRCTN 38586825).


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Funding information in the publication
This work was supported by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (Finland).


Last updated on 20/08/2026 02:18:00 PM