Networks in Community Welfare: A Comparative Analysis of Two Italian Case Studies

This paper critically examines network approaches in local welfare systems through a comparative analysis of two case studies in Italy: the Family Districts (FDs) in Trentino and the Integrated Actions for Territorial Cohesion (AICT) programme in Veneto. Adopting a case study methodology, the research reveals that network approaches can assume diverse configurations with varying levels of bureaucracy, network logic, synoptic rationality, and interactionist incrementalism. The presence of intermediary agencies, dedicated resources, and a common institutional framework emerge as key factors influencing the development and effectiveness of network approaches. The findings highlight the potential risks of network welfare rhetoric when adequate enabling conditions are not in place, such as increased pressure on social workers and heterogeneity of interventions. The paper contributes to the debate on community welfare by dismantling the rhetoric of networks and emphasising the importance of verifying the availability of adequate conditions before implementing network approaches.