Children as next of kin are at a significantly increased risk to be affected negatively when they are involved in incomprehensible situations in life, such as anxiety and unpredictable incidents. The family economy, social relationships, communication and division of roles are additional examples of risk factors. This can in turn lead to socio-economic problems, poor school performance and mental illness for the children affected. The Swedish legislative changes in health care, in 2010, gained increased attention on children as next of kin and their need for and right to advice, support and information. A major development action to improve health and social care for affected children started. Alongside Swedish health and social care services, non-profit organizations provide support for children as next of kin. Non-profit organizations are categorized as civil society, but their works are usually regulated by health care or social service laws. Although there are a number of organizations that provide support to these children, there is little knowledge of the results of the support given. Therefore, this study focuses on systematic follow up of supportive activities targeted at children as next of kin, in the work of non-profit organizations. Systematic follow up in this context is about continuously exploring the needs of children as next of kin. Furthermore check-up whether the child had adequate support, need more support, or whether there is a need for other support. In 2015, a descriptive study with a sample of managers and group leaders in ten non-profit organizations, who provide supportive group activities to children as next of kin (up to 18 years), was conducted. Data were collected through individual and group interviews, and analysed with content analysis. The interviews included information about the organizations, such as background, goals, results of the support group activities, and the managers’ and the group leaders’ encouragement to provide systematic follow up.

Objectives/results: The aim of this study was to explore how non-profit organizations work with supportive group activities for children as next of kin and how they follow up to obtain results. The findings indicated that a child focus, education, safety and trust were important. These factors were observed as the absolute main tasks and the reason for being involved in supportive activities. Additionally, great differences in how non-profit organizations work with follow ups were shown. A large and clear need for education on the subject of systematic follow up was revealed.