Networking at Work with People Who Use Drugs

Markéta Geregová, Markéta Čtvrtečková

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the text is to answer the question: What are the characteristics of two selected concepts of networking in work with people who have experience with drug use and addiction?
THEORETICAL BASE: The article reacts to networking barriers that drug service workers may encounter. The theoretical framework for networking is case management, such as coordinated comprehensive casework and participation, which enables networking using the lived experience of the people involved.
METHODS: The text is based on two case studies that, through the author’s observation of the participants, provide two real experiences with networking in practice.
OUTCOMES: In this article, we introduce the different characteristics of two networks. One of the networks was formed through case management, which helped stabilise a client with multiple needs and problems, while she was regaining her children into her care. The other network was formed through participation in creating a mobile application, which was based on the engagement and needs of people with drug use experience.
SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The described theoretical and practical ways of networking could serve as an inspiration for workers who work with drug users and are looking for new ways of networking.

Keywords:
networking, marginalization, drug users, multiple needs, barriers, knowledge, case management, participation, human centred design