PREVENT is part of the Government’s counter terrorism strategy CONTEST, it aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Government has produced a Prevent Duty Guidance for providers.
PREVENT has a strong link to safeguarding because vulnerable young people can be susceptible to radicalisation and recruitment into terrorist organisations. All those in the private, voluntary and independent sector providing services or out of school activities for children and young people have a duty under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Section 26), to prevent children and young people from being drawn into terrorism.
Have you updated your policies and procedures?
Everyone working with children and young people should have policies and procedures in place which reflect the need to safeguard individuals from the risk of radicalisation. The following policy examples have been produce by the Safe Durham Partnership and you are free to use these examples below.
- Safeguarding children and young people from being drawn into or supporting terrorism
- Protecting children from extremism and radicalisation
PREVENT eLearning
Within County Durham, the Safe Durham Partnership has developed an e-learning course covering the process of radicalisation, how someone might be vulnerable to radicalisation and how staff might discuss or report any concerns. The Prevent eLearning Package is hosted on the Safeguarding Adults website, where you can also find instructions on how certificates are issued to recognise your training. Go to the Prevent eLearning website.
Referring Young People at Risk into the Channel Panel
You can find out more about work taking place to counter terrorism, and the process you need to follow to refer children and young people into the Channel Panel at the Safe Durham Partnership website.
What should I do if I have such a concern?
If you have a concern about an adult that may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism or extremism you can refer them for support and intervention with the Durham Constabulary Prevent Team by emailing specialbranch@durham.police.uk. For a child or young person call First Contact on 03000 267 979 or by emailing firstcontact@durham.gov.uk