Crime and criminalization

Description: Varying migrant and ethnic minorities (MEM) should be entitled to equitable substance use treatment (SUT) compared to non-MEM populations. In the absence of an established research domain, this study first aims at building a strong theoretical basis. This basis includes reflections on MEM substance user and provider experiences, the cultural competence discourse, MEM substance use prevalence from a social epidemiological perspective, MEM SUT need, demand and offer in the EU and Belgium. The empirical case studies whether and how Flemish substance use treatment policy aims at achieving access, removing barriers, creating responsive services and considering social determinants. This analysis is informed by an ecosocial and social recovery perspective. In concert with a parallel PhD study on MEM experiences (Aline Pouille), this project aims at treatment and policy recommendations.
Promoter(s): Tom Decorte, Wouter Vanderplasschen, Torsten Kolind
Researcher(s): Charlotte De Kock
Department / Research group: Institute for Social Drug Research - Department of Criminology, criminal law and social law
Faculty: Faculty of Law and Criminology

Description: The MATREMI project (2019) focused on two shortcomings in the current literature and policy regarding migrants and ethnic minorities (MEM) in substance use treatment (SUT). Firs, the MATREMI project contributed to the more adequate registration of the presence of MEM clients in drug treatment to inform policy making (objective 1) and secondly, gathered the existing Belgian literature (2009-2019) and promising practices (aimed at the reach and retention of and the accessibility for [potential] MEM clients in SUT) in a comprehensive guide for proffesionals (objective 2). The MATREMI project was subsidized by the Federal Science Policy (BELSPO) and builds on the findings from the ZEMIV (2008) and PADUMI (2017) research projects. This project resulted in policy recommendations.
Promoter(s): Tom Decorte, Wouter Vanderplasschen, Torsten Kolind
Researcher(s): Charlotte De Kock, Carla Marscia
Department / Research group: Institute for Social Drug Research - Department of Criminology, criminal law and social law
Faculty: Faculty of Law and Criminology