If someone is exhibiting one, or more, of these signs, it still doesn’t necessarily mean that they are being radicalised – changes in views and behaviour may be part of a child or young person growing up and learning more about the world around them or wanting to make their mark. Be calm, open, and non-confrontational so that you encourage them to share their ideas and opinions with you.
Settings should create an environment where radicalising ideologies are challenged and are not permitted to flourish. They should have measures in place to prevent their facilities being exploited by radicalisers, including ensuring that IT equipment is not being used to access/facilitate the spread of extremist narratives which encourage people into participating in or supporting terrorism. Filtering and monitoring systems should be regularly reviewed and updated.
Concerns should then be addressed through your setting’s reporting protocol, this may be via your DSL or specified Prevent Lead who will inform the local Prevent team. The Prevent team will follow a process of screening, and assessment – if the person is felt to be at risk of radicalisation, a multi-agency Channel panel discussion may take place and appropriate intervention agreed. Once this is in place there will be review meetings to decide if further support or action is needed.
Channel
Channel is about ensuring that vulnerable children and adults of any faith, ethnicity or background receive support before their vulnerabilities are exploited by those who want them to embrace terrorism, and before they become involved in criminal terrorist related activity. Support provided could include mentoring, theological guidance, careers assistance, diversionary activities such as sport, or signposting to mainstream services such as education, employment or housing.
You may be asked to be part of a Channel panel meeting. It aims to identify whether an individual is susceptible to being drawn into terrorism along with the nature and extent of that risk. The panel will then develop a support package tailored to the person’s specific needs, to help them move away from harmful activity. This will be reviewed regularly.
Channel is voluntary, and people who are referred must give consent (via a parent or guardian if they are underage) before they can be given support.