De Weerde – Intervention “Op de proef"
Type of research: Mixed-method
Description:
De Weerde, a small mental health care organization, developed Op de Proef, a 12-week intensive intervention for young adults aged 18–27 with difficulties in establishing structure, direction, and social participation, aimed at preventing the need for supported housing. The program aims to reduce or prevent waiting-list placement by promoting behavioral change, personal development, and self-regulation. Core components include the establishment of healthy daily routines, active participation in work or education, responsibility-taking, and the development of social and self-regulatory skills. Passive behavior is actively discouraged.
The intervention combines twice-weekly group sessions with structured activities and continued individual support following completion, supplemented by peer-based collective offerings. An exploratory study indicated positive outcomes: following the intervention, 90% of participants engaged in meaningful daily activities, a 57% reduction in specialist care use was observed, and parents reported positive effects, with 82% noting clear personal growth and improved parent–child relationships.
To move toward evidence-based recognition, Op de Proef and De Weerde aim to identify the intervention’s core effective elements through systematic analysis of program components and stakeholder experiences. This process is intended to inform the selection of an appropriate theoretical framework underpinning the intervention.
Who are we looking for?
Motivated students with good proficiency in Dutch.