RAN PRISONS - Practical methods and approaches to conducting multi-agency case conferences of violent extremist or terrorist offenders (VETOs)

Background and aim of the meeting 

During previous RAN PRISONS, RAN REHAB and other RAN meetings, multi-agency work is a prominent topic. Multi-agency work with VETOs in prison and post-release can be performed in different ways, as can be seen among different EU Member States. Variables include local context, duration of participation and involvement of state agencies.  

Case conferences aim to better multi-agency work by creating a space where all professionals working in the disengagement, deradicalisation and rehabilitation of the inmate discuss the case. This allows a holistic understanding of the processes and advancement of the inmate, and enables the sharing of information according to the possible legal framework. The use of case conferences aims towards better disengagement and rehabilitation of the VETO as well as prevention of recidivism.   

The goal of this meeting is to identify, examine and exchange good practices of designing, operating and evaluating multi-agency case conferences in relation to VETOs in prison, post-release and during the transition between the two.

Key questions this meeting will address include: 

1. Who are the different stakeholders who should participate in multi-agency case management of VETOs and why? In what stages should each participate?
2. Who is leading the case conferences and how can they be improved? What are the challenges?
3. What is the role of the client in multi-agency case management?

The outcome of the meeting and its conclusions will be shared with the policymakers of the Member States and might feed into the agenda of RAN Practitioners, RAN Policy Support (Member State policy makers and researchers) and the European Commission. It is an opportunity for practitioners to share their experience and voice their hopes and concerns for the future in a safe space protected by the Chatham House Rule.  

Ideal participants: 

The target audience for this meeting is practitioners who directly engage with VETOs in prison and post-release contexts (or aim to do so) in the field of P/CVE, including: 

• prison management and administration staff. 
• probation workers.
• practitioners who work with VETOs in prison or afterwards, including: mental health practitioners, religious counselors, exit workers, local administration staff, civil society organisations and law enforcement.

Registration 

If you are interested in participating at this meeting, please fill out this form by 03 May. We will invite participants based on the information provided therein. Please keep in mind that we only have a limited number of places available for this meeting to foster exchanges, so participation cannot be guaranteed.    

Please note, the meeting will be held in English (without interpretation). 

If you have any further questions, please contact niv [dot] zonisviolence-prevention-network [dot] de (Niv Zonis) or jonathan [dot] russellviolence-prevention-network [dot] de (Jonathan Russell).