Prevent
Prevent is a part of the Government’s national counter-terrorism strategy, which aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism, before they are drawn into criminality. Prevent also supports the rehabilitation of people already involved in terrorism. Prevent has strong links to safeguarding because vulnerable children and adults can be susceptible to radicalisation and recruitment into violent extremist and terrorist organisations.
The Home Office have produced a video and animations providing more information on Prevent. These can be found here (video) and here (animations).
Radicalisation is the word commonly used to describe the process the person is going through as they get drawn down a dangerous path.
If someone is becoming radicalised it means they are displaying extreme views in support of extreme ideologies or beliefs, terrorist groups and activities.
Terrorism and extremism are words that are commonly used when talking about radicalisation and prevent. Terrorism and extremism are sometimes used interchangeably.
‘Terrorism’ is an action that endangers or causes serious violence to a person/people; causes serious damage to property; or seriously interferes or disrupts an electronic system. The use or threat must be designed to influence the government or to intimidate the public and is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.
Extremism is a vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Some organisations have a duty to identify vulnerable children, young people and adults and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as the Prevent duty.
These organisations include:
- schools
- local authorities
- the police
- prisons and probation services
- NHS trusts and foundations.
Other organisations may also have Prevent duties if they perform delegated local authority functions.
Even if your organisation doesn’t have a legal Prevent duty, you should still work to prevent radicalisation and extremism as part of your overall safeguarding responsibilities.
Channel is a key element of the “Prevent” strategy and is a multi-agency approach to protect people at risk from radicalisation. Channel uses existing collaboration between local authorities, statutory partners (such as education and health sectors, social services, children’s and youth services and offender management services), the police and the local community to:
- Identify individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism;
- Assess the nature and extent of that risk; and develop the most appropriate support for the individuals concerned.
Professionals are required to understand the risks associated with radicalisation, how to identify someone who might be vulnerable and make the appropriate referral for support through the Channel process.
If you are concerned about someone you know being radicalised or supporting extremism and acts of terrorism, please complete a prevent referral form which can be accessed here.
National Prevent Referral Form
Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism
Prevent duty toolkit for local authorities
Prevent duty: risk assessment templates for early years, schools and further education providers
The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation for education settings
ACT Early | Prevent radicalisation
West Midlands Child Safeguarding Procedures (Radicalisation and Extremism)
Solihull tools and pathways – Radicalisation (includes Channel Panel summary)
Extremism, radicalisation and mental health: Handbook for practitioners