Concerning radicalisation

The focus of the guideline is ‘concerning radicalisation that may lead to extremist violence’. Radicalisation can negatively affect a young person’s development. A young person may suffer mentally and socially as a result, stop participating in daily life, or lose friends or loved ones.

A radicalisation process that receives no attention or in which care is lacking can also lead to situations in which people’s physical and psychological safety is endangered, or trust in society is eroded. It is therefore important, both for the person concerned and for society in general, that timely and appropriate intervention takes place. Youth professionals have an important pedagogical role in this. After all, they have insight into young people’s lives or are in contact with them. They can also intervene and adjust their approach when necessary.

Topics covered

Based on key questions, the guideline provides recommendations to youth professionals on identifying and addressing radicalisation among young people. These include questions such as:

  • How can you recognise and interpret signs of possible (concerning) radicalisation, and which tools can you use for this?
  • How can you talk to a young person about signs that may indicate (concerning) radicalisation?
  • What do you do with signs of possible radicalisation, and how can you share information about this?
  • How can you address radicalisation preventively?
  • Which organisations play a role in the prevention, interpretation and addressing of radicalisation, and how can professionals make use of them?

Who is this guideline for?

The Radicalisation guideline is intended for professionals in youth care and child protection, as well as other youth professionals who may encounter radicalisation among young people. These include youth workers, education professionals, security professionals, employees of Bureau Halt, probation services and the police.

The extent to which a youth professional can or must take action themselves, or should instead refer someone to more appropriate help, depends on their role and responsibilities. For most youth professionals, specialist knowledge or expertise concerning radicalisation is not required. It is important, however, that they are able to develop a ‘gut feeling that something is not right’ and place possible signs in context, as signs may point to problems other than radicalisation.

Development

The Radicalisation guideline was developed by the Verwey-Jonker Institute (project management), the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Sherazade Advies. The development took place in close cooperation with a development working group consisting of academics and practice experts. Based on feedback and a pilot implementation, the guideline was supplemented and ultimately authorised by the professional associations NIP, NVO and BPSW. The Netherlands Youth Institute supervised the development process.

On Wednesday 25 September, there will be a webinar on the Radicalisation guideline.