If you are concerned about a vulnerable young person that you know, being drawn into terrorism or supporting violent extremism, then you should consider making a Prevent referral. This guide outlines what making a Prevent referral involves and some of the things you may wish to think about.
Prevent is a Safeguarding matter
Prevent is fundamentally concerned with safeguarding and supporting individuals who are susceptible to radicalisation. It recognises that some people are drawn into a world linked to violent extremist beliefs and intent that can potentially lead them into criminal or harmful behaviours. Our aim is to support those individuals, to address any personal needs and vulnerabilities they may have and help them to be more resilient to violent extremism in the future.
Becoming aware of a concern
The framework for referral is set out in the Government Prevent Duty. The full guidance
is available and can be viewed here.[JR1] Within this guidance, the Government encourages agencies, communities, and individuals alike to be aware of the risk of radicalisation, and sets out three key steps:
NOTICE
There is no single pathway towards being radicalised. Every instance is unique to the individual.
However, you may become concerned with changes or the behaviours of that person, be that Emotional, Physical, or Verbal. Some of these changes can be sudden, sometimes they may take place over a longer period. Of the behaviours that may cause concern, some may be quite blatant -especially when these are verbal; a change in language, obsession on a topic, being closed to debate, right through to declaring intent to commit violence. If you have concerns about these behaviours or other changes, for example exposure to harmful internet content and identification with extremist groups or ideologies, then you should discuss these concerns.
CHECK
If it’s appropriate, you may wish to discuss your concerns about the well-being of their is important you discuss any concerns you have with someone, for example a line manager, or a safeguarding lead in your organisation. This can help clarify why you may have those concerns, and to consider if you or your organisation has the right information or can take actions to address
any concerns. Be mindful of the Public Sector Equality Duty, follow your organisations confidentiality guidelines and draw on your knowledge and experience when discussing concerns with your colleagues.
SHARE
If you feel that the risk of radicalisation requires additional consideration and response, then you can make a Prevent Referral. The referral form is accessed from this link. This can lead to a wider review of the circumstances of such concerns and consideration as to whether there are genuine risks of radicalisation present and therefore a need to offer support to the vulnerable person within the referral.
If a Prevent referral is believed to be required then please contact the Local Couter Terrorism Policing Team to discuss your concerns prior to making a Prevent referral. You can contact the Team on: 01392 225130 or via the following enquiry email: prevent@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
More Information regarding Notice Check Share
If you would like more information regarding recognising vulnerabilities to extremism and Notice Check Share, you can access an e-learning package produced by the Home Office here. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-duty-training
This discusses the different factors that can lead to vulnerability to radicalisation, some of the signs and behaviours to look for, and how to act on those concerns.
Key questions to consider
As you prepare to make the referral it is important to present the information in a clear and comprehensive manner. It may be helpful to have in mind the need to answer the following questions.
| WHERE | On what occasion did you observe the concerning factors, where was it? Did you see it personally? Was it in person, or online? |
| WHAT | What were the issues that concerned you? Was it verbal, endorsement of violence, changes in behaviour, links to violent extremist groups or ideologies, changes in behaviour, dress, friendships, social activities? |
| WHO | Be specific about who is the focus for the referral, what do you know about the person, their family, friends, relationship with your service or agency? Is there any relevant contextual information regarding the individual that can assist in assessing their vulnerabilities and possible encounter with extremist influences? |
| WHEN | On what occasions and surroundings did you feel concerned? Has it been a singular occasion, or built up over several encounters? On what times, over what period have the concerns been evident? |
| WHY | Is there any information regarding why you believe the person may be susceptible to radicalisation? Has there been a change in their family or domestic circumstances? Have there been other factors which may have exacerbated their general vulnerabilities, or exposure to extremists or extremist ideology? If you are aware of any wider changes which have influenced the person, consider if these have any relevance |
| HOW | how concerned are you at the risks of radicalisation? Is it something you feel might be of immediate concern e.g. the risk of travel to support an extremist group, in which case you might consider contacting emergency services directly. |
To reinforce the advice above, you are also encouraged to consider:
- Giving as much information on the Context of the referral as possible.
- Wherever possible try to include examples of Direct Speech made by the person subject to the referral.
- In relation to the risk – describe what mitigating action has been taken by your agency or organisation. When was this undertaken, what impact has it made? Have you involved any other agency e.g. Local Authority?
- Information on any social media details you may be aware of.
- Relevant information regarding Family background that you consider relates to the general or specific vulnerabilities of the individual.
However, if you do have concerns, but don’t feel you have all the information outlined above to hand, please make sure you contact the Local Counter Terrorism Policing Team and, where advised to, send in the referral even if you can’t cover everything. Don’t put it off. A referral for a vulnerable person can be the first, essential step, that leads to the support they need being provided.
Do you need the individuals consent to make a referral?
There is no statutory requirement in the Prevent Duty guidance for you to obtain the individuals consent to make a referral. There is, however, guidance regarding this matter specifically for health service providers. This can be found here and the general principles regarding obtaining consent and keeping the individual informed about a referral being made within this guidance are of general relevance. Critically if it is considered that it is not appropriate to advise the individual that a referral is being made, it is recommended that you record the basis for this decision and any advice you have received.
Further advice can be sought from; Prevent@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or call the helpline 01392 225130.