Emotionaalisen lämmön ja turvallisuuden tunteiden mittaaminen – CEWSS-A-mittarin käännös ja adaptointi lastensuojelun laitoshoitoon

Within child protection, there has been growing interest in how to reliably assess and monitor changes in clients' situations, the outcomes of practices, and the effectiveness of interventions. However, psychometrically appropriate instruments developed for residential care for children and youth are not available in Finnish. This article describes the translation and adaptation process of the CEWSS-A scale, developed for residential out-of-home care, and evaluates its initial suitability in the Finnish context. The process was conducted using the Facit method, including translation and back-translation of the instrument, and cognitive interviews with 15 youth aged 12-17 living in residential care units. Based on discussions within an expert group, questionnaires filled out by the youths, and cognitive interviews with them, small changes were made to the instrument. The process highlighted the importance of considering the cultural significance of word choices and acknowledging the diversity of family and close relationships among children in out-of-home care. There was a discrepancy between the definitions related to close people in the statements and the original instructions of the instrument. The purpose of the instrument was modified to measure more generic emotional experiences, thus allowing it to be used to assess one goal of out-of-home care—experiences of safety and warmth. The youths found the translated version of the instrument functional and useful. As a result of the process, a successful translation of the instrument was achieved, and user experiences will be gathered in an ongoing research project. The broader adoption of the instrument requires further research, including psychometric evaluation.