This sub-study of the SAUMA project examines trans and queer young people’s experiences of residential child welfare institutions and seeks to develop an affirming approach to working together with young people and child welfare professionals. The principal researcher of the sub-study is Ilo Söderström, and the study also involves several co-researchers.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INTERVIEWED FOR A STUDY ON TRANS AND QUEER YOUTH’S EXPERIENCES OF CHILD WELFARE SERVICES?
18 August 2026
The SAUMA project is looking for interview participants for a study exploring trans and queer young people’s experiences of residential out-of-home care and how everyday life in residential care could be improved. You can participate in the study if you belong to a sexual or gender minority and have at some point during your youth lived in a residential child welfare institution.
If you would like to participate in the study, the project researcher Ilo Söderström will interview you once or several times. The interview can take place wherever you prefer. If you wish, you can invite a support person to join the interview. The study also involves co-researchers, meaning other trans or queer youth with experience of out-of-home care. If you wish, a co-researcher can join the interview.
Participation in the study is entirely voluntary. You can also discontinue or withdraw your participation later if you wish. Scientific publications will be written based on the interviews, and child welfare professionals will be provided with training. The information you provide will be handled confidentially and using pseudonyms. If you are interested in the study, you can contact researcher Ilo Söderström to receive more information.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Researcher: Ilo Söderström, ilo.soderstrom@tuni.fi, 0503250178 (WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, text message)
Study: Everyday Utopias of Out-of-Home Care: Multiminority Youth Imagining and Creating Better Futures (SAUMA)
Research institution: Tampere University
Project leader: Professor Joa Hiitola
Funding: Kone Foundation for the period 2026–2030
Instagram: @saumatutkimus