title: Transitional employment and its effects in Finland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to explore the extent and type of transitional employment (TE) work undertaken in clubhouses in Finland and to better understand the influence of transitional employment on the rehabilitation goals of clubhouse members. Secondarily, the survey examined how TE possibly led to independent work or participation in adult education.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey was conducted with members of all Finnish Fountain House clubhouses who had participated in a transitional employment program from the beginning of the year 2002. A second survey was also conducted with clubhouse directors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Study results provide evidence that TE-participation leads to an active lifestyle and increases social inclusion, but it does not lead to permanent employment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both members and leaders reported that transitional employment periods helped to evaluate an individual's working ability, but did not lead to steady employment in the open labor market.
authors.affiliation: Department of Teacher Education, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland. raija.pirttimaa@oulu.fi
authors.forename: Raija
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pirttimaa
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Saloviita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016832:Employment, Supported; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D055815:Young Adult