Oslo’s social workers address drug issues through personalized outreach, contrasting with punitive political debates on crime and addiction.
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Oslo’s social workers, including Børge Erdal, Stine Marit Sundsbø Hollerud, and Nana Mensah, are known for their effective work assisting vulnerable individuals without wearing uniforms or displaying prejudice. They operate within Oslo Municipality’s Uteseksjonen unit, which addresses the needs of those living in precarious situations by actively engaging with people on the streets, especially near areas where drug use is visible. The Norwegian model emphasizes personalized, street-level intervention and constant availability of help. Two main areas are identified: one primarily serving young users and dealers, and another catering to older consumers using substances like heroin and amphetamines. While political debates often link drug issues with migration crises in Norway, social workers maintain that the problem requires addressing its root causes through individualized support rather than punitive measures. They argue that integrating people into society through employment is more effective than exclusion. Despite calls from some politicians for stricter penalties, experts advocate for continued investment in existing social and preventative networks, noting that while drug problems exist, the situation in Norway is manageable due to successful integration efforts.
