Anyone can be radicalised, but factors such as being easily influenced and impressionable make children and young people particularly vulnerable.
We all have a role in ensuring that children and young people and their families remain safe, and strong evidence shows that an intervention can stop someone becoming a terrorist or supporting violent extremism.
If you believe someone is at risk of radicalisation you can help them get support and prevent them becoming involved in terrorism and potentially violent activities by raising your concerns via the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or by emailing prevent@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk.
You can also raise your concerns with your organisations designated safeguarding lead or via the Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Prevent agenda
If you see it, suspect it – report it!
The government has developed a process called ‘Prevent’ to help people who have been identified as being potentially vulnerable to radicalisation or extremism. Channel is part of this process, and is means of providing practical support to people at risk of being drawn towards terrorism or violent extremism. Partners include local authorities, healthcare providers, the police and members of the community, who work together to support individuals vulnerable to radicalisation and provide tailored safeguarding measures to support their needs. A range of options are available including mentoring, welfare support and access to key services.
Early detection and referral is important, offering the best chance of stopping people from being drawn into terrorism.
It is important to note that extremism itself is not illegal and that those referred to Prevent will not be automatically criminalised.
If you suspect that someone is about to put themselves in danger by travelling to join a terrorist organisation, or appears involved in plans to commit a criminal offence, please inform the police immediately by calling 999.
Keeping children safe from these risks is a safeguarding matter and should be approached in the same way as safeguarding children from other risks. Specific guidance for professionals about safeguarding children and young people against radicalisation and violent extremism, including definitions, risks, indicators and protection action to be taken, can be found in the Devon Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual.
Useful resources
The Safer Devon Partnership Exploitation Toolkit provides information to help professionals and volunteers understand, identify and report signs of exploitation.
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