Abstract
Multiagency collaboration is seen as an essential way of working to promote the two-way integration of newcomers and a receiving society. The term multiagency collaboration underlines the diversity of actors in cooperation. Cross-sectorial networks are mentioned in higher strategies as well as in the local programmes or plans for action. But how is multiagency work structured at the local level? This article looks at the examples of multiagency collaboration in the written documents of local integration programmes in the Finnish context. The examples are chosen from different areas. It seems that collaboration is widely emphasized as a goal or a working method. Whereas expertise in integration work is relatively novel in Finland, more analytical awareness of multiagency collaboration could support learning in networks and developing hybrid practices in this emerging field of knowledge.
Highlights
This article investigates local integration programmes and the ways in which multiagency collaboration is mentioned in these documents
The term multiagency collaboration highlights the diversity of actors in cooperation: the authorities or certain professionals, and civil organizations, associations and ethnic or religious communities are represented
Multifaceted processes of two-way integration and restructuring welfare state, different counterparts dealing with dilemmas at the local level and an option for new areas of expertise within various forms of lateral collaboration are combined at the local or street level
Summary
This article investigates local integration programmes and the ways in which multiagency collaboration is mentioned in these documents. Before looking at the multiagency collaboration in the local integration programmes, a theoretical discussion related to the integration, multicultural policies and integration work ‘dealing with dilemmas’ at the street level are focused on from both a sociological and a multidisciplinary perspective (Hagelund 2008; Nordberg & Wrede 2015). It is useful to break open the concept of multicultural policies in order to differentiate between measures targeted at ethno-cultural groups and policies where the goal is to transform common institutions in a manner that is more inclusive and hospitable towards ethnic diversity (Borevi 2012, 144-144) How are these perspectives brought to practice? Multifaceted processes of two-way integration and restructuring welfare state, different counterparts dealing with dilemmas at the local level and an option for new areas of expertise within various forms of lateral collaboration are combined at the local or street level. What do the programmes say about multiagency collaboration: how is an active (or possible) dialogue mentioned and described?
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