Development and evaluation of a strength-based method to promote employment of work-disability benefit recipients with multiple problems:A feasibility study

Background For people with disabilities, chances to find or keep work are negatively affected by multiple problems like lower education, poverty and poor health. Furthermore, although active labour market policies proved to be effective for unemployed in general, success rates are poor for persons who are unemployed due to multiple problems. The present study aims to describe the development of a method as well as professional training to teach its application, and to assess the feasibility of method and training. The Strength-based method (CARm) aims to promote employment of work-disability benefit recipients with multiple problems. Methods The main principles of the Strength model were redesigned for better applicability in a population of work-disability beneficiaries, resulting in the CARm method. As part of the CARm method, a training module for Labour Experts (LEs) was developed. To assess the new designed method and training, a one-group, pre-post design was used. Data were collected from eight participating LEs, five female and 3 male, aged between 41and 55 years and having 2–17 years working experience. We used self-report questionnaires and a semi-structured discussion meeting after the training sessions with the LEs. Results Eight labour experts (LEs) from the Dutch Social Security Institute participated in the study. Most LEs felt an improvement in their ability to ascertain developmental needs, opportunities and threats in the client’s situation. Three months after the training, LEs almost unanimously agreed on the statements ‘I expect to use the CARm method more frequently in the future’ and ‘I use the CARm method in daily practice whenever possible’. The overall rating for the training on a scale from 1 to 10 was 7.6 (range 7–9). The overall satisfaction with the trainers was good. Conclusions The CARm method and training was found to be a feasible approach to facilitate LEs working at the UWV reintegration service to support clients with multiple problems. Sufficient managerial support for participating LEs is a key factor for successful implementation of CARm. Results show that CARm is worth testing for efficacy in a future trial

Feasibility of family group conference to promote return-to-work of persons receiving work disability benefit

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of Family Group Conference for promoting return to work by clients receiving work disability benefits from the Social Security Institute in the Netherlands. Methods: We conducted a mixed-method pre- post-intervention feasibility study, using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and return to work plans drafted in Family Group Conferences. A convenient sample of Labour experts, Clients, and Facilitators was followed for a period of six months. Feasibility outcomes were demand, acceptability, implementation and limited efficacy of perceived mental health and level of participation. Results: Fourteen labour experts and sixteen facilitators enrolled in the study. Of 28 eligible clients, nine (32%) participated in a Family Group Conference. About 78% of the Family Group Conferences were implemented as planned. Participant satisfaction about Family Group Conference was good (mean score 7). Perceived mental health and level of participation improved slightly during follow-up. Most actions in the return to work plans were work related. Most frequently chosen to take action was the participating client himself, supported by significant others in his or her social network. Six months after the Family Group Conference five participating clients returned to paid or voluntary work. Conclusions: Family Group Conference seems a feasible intervention to promote return to work by clients on work disability benefit. Involvement of the social network may have added value to support the clients in this process. An effectiveness study to further develop and test Family Group Conferences is recommended

Growing Grain for Others or How to Detect surplus Production?

Wetensch. publicati

Tree-Ring Research in the Netherlands

Two independent local tree-ring chronologies of oak in the Netherlands are described. Chronology I contains recent wood, wood from mills, and paintings. This chronology begins in A.D. 1973 and goes back to 1385 and is thought to be from inland areas of the Netherlands and the adjacent German area. Chronology 11 is built up from paintings and sculptures and ranges from A.D. 1623 to 1140; the origin of the wood is presumed to be from a coastal site in the Netherlands.This item is part of the Tree-Ring Research (formerly Tree-Ring Bulletin) archive. It was digitized from a physical copy provided by the Laboratory of Tree-Ring research at The University of Arizona. For more information about this peer-reviewed scholarly journal, please email the Editor of Tree-Ring Research at [email protected]

Alphen a/d Rijn Couvee/Julianastraat 57-61 vicus Romeins castellum. Projectnummer dendrochronologie (Stichting RING): 1990007

Dendrochronological research projec

Dordrecht De Waag (DDT 87). Projectnummer dendrochronologie (Stichting RING): 1989007

Dendrochronological research project.The year in which the research stored in https://dataverse.nl/dataverse/stichtingring took place, from 1985 onwards can be found in the report number, with for example ‘P:1997001’ implying that this particular study took place in 1997. Interpretations of the most likely wood provenance and estimations of the number of missing sapwood rings, if included in the original research report, are based on the knowledge at the time and may be subject to later refinement