Redução de riscos e minimização de danos no âmbito da intervenção do serviço social em contextos de alto risco

Abstract

Harm Reduction (HR) is an intervention model used in Portugal for over 20 years. It has been following an unparalleled path compared to other areas of intervention in the field of dependencies. It's an innovative approach, internationally recognized, rooted in the principles of Human Dignity and Human Rights. It's an intervention founded on the defense of Human Rights, considering both individual and societal factors. HR is commonly associated with public health issues due to its impact on the same. However, its recognition in social intervention is still quite limited. This limitation is perceived to be due to the seeming controversy of conceptualizing social intervention in the realm of addictive behaviors and dependencies without imposing abstinence from consumption. With the aim of conceptualizing HR in the scope of Social Work intervention in high-risk contexts, this research deepens the understanding of the conception and application of the model in the professional practice of social workers in Lisbon, revealing a challenging and multifaceted panorama. Segmenting the data obtained into four distinct categories revealed important peculiarities in HR intervention. These categories include the target audience of the projects, the intervention itself based on the RRHM model - delving into the benefits and constraints of the intervention. The relationship between Social Work and HR in different dimensions is also explored, followed by recommendations and proposals for intervention. The results underscore the complexity and challenges of HR intervention, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to tackle current challenges. The findings provide valuable insights to guide future interventions, promoting a more comprehensive and effective approach in addressing issues associated with substance use and social vulnerability.

Date of Award	30 Sept 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Antonela Pereira Jesus (Supervisor) & Jorge Barbosa (Co-Supervisor)