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Radicalisation & Extremism

Identification

Here are examples of indicators that may suggest a child is vulnerable to exploitation into violent extremism:

  • Expressed opinions – such as support for violence and terrorism or the values of extremist organisations, airing of political or religious based grievances, unaccepting of other nationalities, religions or cultures.
  • Material – possession of extremist literature; attempts to access extremist websites and associated password protected chat rooms; possession of material regarding weapons, explosives or military training
  • Behaviour and behavioural changes – such as withdrawal from family and peers; hostility towards former associates and family; association with proscribed* organisations and those that hold extremist views (Under the Terrorism Act 2000 the Home Secretary has the power to proscribe – forbid by law – an organisation believed to be concerned in terrorism. Details of each organisation proscribed by the UK government can be viewed here)
  • Personal history – Claims or evidence of involvement in organisations voicing violent extremist ideology and identifying with their cause.

 

Prevent Duty

Prevent is part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy CONTEST which aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Prevent strategy addresses all forms of terrorism and prioritizes according to the threat posed to national security.

Responsible authorities are local authorities, schools, further and higher education, the health sector, prison, probation and the police. Further information can be found in the government guidance 

The strategy has three main objectives:

Objective one: Ideology – respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism;

Objective two: Supporting vulnerable people – prevent people from being drawn into terrorism; and

Objective three: Work with key sectors and institutions – address risks.

For more information on how to help prevent terrorism and extremism, or report any concerns, visit the Safe in the City website

 

Making a referral to Channel Panel

Channel is a Multi-Agency Process, which provides support to those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. Channel uses existing collaboration between partners to support individuals and protect them from being drawn into terrorism.

The panel has a statutory basis: under the terms of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, local authorities must:

  • Ensure a multi-agency panel exists and chair the panel
  • Use the panel to develop a support plan for accepted cases and signpost to other support where cases are not accepted
  • Ensure consent is sought prior to support being provided
  • Co-operate with other panel partners

Referrals to Channel are voluntary. If you think that someone may be vulnerable to radicalisation you can make a referral using this form

 

Reporting Concerns

If you are concerned that a child is at risk of being exploited into radicalisation or violent extremism contact the Front Door For Families on 01273 290400

Any worker who believes a crime is being committed, or planned, or is aware of any terrorist activity, should contact Sussex Police Prevent team without delay on 101 ext. 550543

If you want advice from the Prevent team regarding concerns about an individual please email Channel.Prevent@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk

 

For more information on preventing terrorism and extremism visit the Safe in the City website