The focus groups under Work Package 2 'Mapping challenges, needs, innovative solutions required in the process of prevention and de-radicalization' were carried-out with participation of first-line practitioners, including academia representatives, educators, youth workers, social services and specialist professionals working with youth and child as psychologists, minor’s services and LEAs. The group discussions were designed around three different dimensions: religious-inspired extremism; right-wing extremism with a specific focus on Islamophobia, hate and anti-immigrant crimes; and left-wing extremism with a special focus on anarchist, animal rights, environmentalist and separatist ideologies.
The ARMOUR Focus Group in Italy was held in Bologna (Emilia-Romagna Juvenile Court) on 10 June 2019 and was hosted by our partner Agenfor International Foundation.
Seven participants attended the focus group, one took part via Skype. Among the professionals there were the President of the Court of Minors of Emilia-Romagna, a social worker, a sociologist, a mediator, a community director for minors and young adults.
As a methodology a semi-structured discussion was followed starting from the theme of radicalization and understanding of violent extremism, in order to identify and communicate cases of radicalization with the design of a specific program for effective prevention and intervention with young people and minors.