Filling the knowledge gap: understanding youth involvement in organized drug crimes in Belgium through lived experiences

• In Event: Youths’ Involvement in Organized Crime - Panel 2

Abstract

In Belgium, policy and practice raises concerns about the involvement of youth in organized drug crimes. Yet, empirical insights into the involvement of youth in organized drug crime in Belgium are limited, highlighting a significant knowledge gap in scientific evidence. In addition to the knowledge gap, the lack of empirical insights also hampers the development of a targeted practical and policy approach based on accurate knowledge regarding the involvement of youth in organized drug crime in Belgium. Nonetheless, concerns about youth involvement in organized drug crimes are translated into a growing sense of urgency in policy and practice, with various initiatives being undertaken to tackle it.
In order to fill the knowledge gap, a PhD study aims to gain insight into the criminal careers of youth within organized drug crimes in Belgium, focusing on their onset, persistence and desistance. To achieve this, a multimethod design will be used combining a case file study of judicial files with interviews with professional stakeholders and people with lived experiences.
The PhD study is ongoing. During the presentation we will share preliminary results of:
1. The current knowledge (gap) about youth involvement in organized drug crime in
Belgium;
2. Examples of policy and practice initiatives in Belgium and elaborate on the exploratory
insights gained from (some of) these initiatives;
3. Provide (preliminary) insights of interviews conducted with people with lived experiences
on their desistance.

Authors

• Emma De Caluwé, University of Ghent, Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP)

• Charlotte Colman, University of Ghent, Institute for International Research on Criminal Policy (IRCP) and National Drug Coordinator