Spaces professional exchange and prevention of young people involvement in drug trafficking

Abstract

The irruption of drug trafficking in popular districts destabilises the daily practices of many specialists (teachers, educators, leaders, etc.) Some of them refuse to accept this situation. In Marseille, Paris and Seine Saint Denis, institutions have decided to implement spaces for exchange aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in drug trafficking and to support their commitment. Asked to lead them, the author used a system from clinical sociology based on co-constructing knowledge. The participants in this process now have a finer understanding of drug trafficking networks and how young people are involved in them. They built a professional positioning which is more able to help on a daily basis and which gives rise to more productive horizontal cooperation. They were also able to identify more original possibilities. The author ultimately questions the way in which such a process may be useful, not only for these participants, but also for all those who today are (or tomorrow will be) confronted with these problems in their own areas.