PREVENT - (Risk of Radicalisation)

PREVENT is part of the Government's counter terrorism strategy CONTEST, its aim is to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.  It places protection around people vulnerable to radicalisation, stopping them from being drawn into terrorism - regardless of the ideology.

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 contains a duty on specified authorities in England, Wales and Scotland. The Government has produced a Prevent Duty Guidance for providers. 

See also Prevent Strategy [pdf document]

The Government's CONTEST strategy [pdf document]

PREVENT has a strong link to safeguarding because vulnerable people can be susceptible to radicalisation and recruitment into terrorist organisations. 

For more information about Prevent see the Lets talk about it website [external link]

Channel Panel

Channel is part of the Prevent Programme.  It's a voluntary, confidential, early intervention programme that supports people who may be at risk of being drawn into terrorism.  See Channel Duty Guidance [PDF document]

Channel Panels were established under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to assess the extent to which identified individuals are vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and where appropriate to arrange for support to be provided. When assessing Channel referrals the Statutory Safeguarding Partners and the relevant partner agencies should consider how best to align these with assessments undertaken in accordance with the Children Act 1989.

The Children Act 1989 promotes the view that all children and their parents should be considered as individuals and that family structures, culture, religion, ethnic origins and other characteristics should be respected. Local authorities should ensure they support and promote fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. 

For further information and guidance and details of how to report a concern see Darlington Safeguarding Partnership PREVENT Practice Guidance and the Channel Process [PDF Document].

ACT Early (Counter-Terrorism Policing safeguarding website) is a dedicated safeguarding website and advice line from the specialists in Counter Terrorism policing.  It provides advice, guidance and support for anyone who is concerned that someone they may know ay be at risk from being radicalised by terrorist or extremist content online.  

ACT Early website [external link]