Inter-Sectoral Collaborations

It is beyond the scope of the Social Welfare sector alone to resolve the crisis of street drug addiction and homelessness. The street drug problem is a multi-faceted problem requiring a comprehensive and sustainable response, requiring expertise and interventions from across a number of sectors, recognizing that what happens in one organizational setting will influence and be influenced by interventions and processes occurring elsewhere.

A cross-sectoral response is required to bring key institutions together. In general, this type of response would provide opportunities for inter-professional learning and training, the establishment of shared goals/target outcomes.

Research and Literature:

Current research and literature in the area of youth street drug community and culture informs that:

  • The current response to youth street drug problem in many countries in the world cities remains challenged by insufficient “inter-sectoral coordination”
  • One barrier to coordination is a lack of “shared inter-professional knowledge” (Kilmer, Cook, Crusto, Strater, & Haber, 2012).
  • Brain trauma and traumatic stress associated with drug use and addiction is also a great concern often underplayed in other intervention programs. Drug use and addiction a range of mental health disorders, including “Depression, Anxiety as well as Conduct and Oppositional defiance Disorders”

Phase One
“Street-Work”

  • Establish street-youth-serving agencies
  • Street-work is an essential part of an effective strategy - Train and capacitate frontline staff in street youth-serving agencies-They would be involved in youth addicts, basic elementary counselling, referral for medical treatment, etc.
  • Facilitate mobile (Multi-Disciplinary Treatment) mental health teams which will align their work with street youth-serving agencies frontline staff

Phase Two
“Rehabilitation And Reintergration Work”

Transition to a sheltered Rehabilitation and Reintegration. The program centres will offer their clients the possibility to:

  • Get some stability and routine in their life again
  • For contact with social workers and other relevant professionals
  • To offering training including basic classes (such as literacy) or more advanced vocational training and services, such as primary health care
  • To offering art and music training
  • Redefining one’s sense of self, Self-Development and Renewal Programs; e.g. organise debate sessions to increase the self- confidence and self-esteem of the program clients

Phase Three
“Half-Way House Placement, Reintergration And Prevention Work”

This phase is aimed at “aligning” the role between reintegration of the rehabilitated street youth addict and prevention of street involved youth addiction. This phase is the project’s trajectory in ensuring a sustained loop and minimal opportunities for the youth to gain easy “entry” into the street involved “drug web/trap”.

Exiting street life is complex and consists of a mix of strategies, personal ambitions, structural supports and ultimately, persistence and the desire to get off the street from the rehabilitated street youth.