1. Developing local networks: The experience from Vilvoorde Jessika Soors Policy coordinator radicalization and polarization

2. This is Vilvoorde 42 000 inhabitants Demographic expansion 1,5% 25% non-Belgian origins Minors 40% High unemployment rate High rate of school drop out and backlog Shortage of public infrastructure Proximity of Brussels and Antwerp Sociologically one Metropolitan problems Mechelen 25/2/2016

3. Current situation 28 FF 3 minors 8 died 1 minor 8 returnees 1 currently living in Vilvoorde Group at risk: 69 persons 30 minors Mechelen 25/2/2016

4. Local policy There was little existing (infra-)structure to make use of Challenge/opportunity When creating new initiatives: what will we label prevention of radicalisation? Mechelen 25/2/2016

5. Local policy “A plan for warmth and safety” Recognized since May 2014 –Countering Violent Extremism Prevention: broad and specific Group oriented –Deradicalization Curative Person oriented –Repression Only police and justice Independent from any social program Mechelen 25/2/2016

6. CVE initiatives Take multiple entries to do community outreach Avoid one shot initiatives Recognise other important issues, and try to take them into account Be clear about coordination Political support has been a success factor Mechelen 25/2/2016

7. The link between prevention and intervention You cannot have one without the other Absolute transparency About goals About sharing information Giving trust is receiving trust Be aware for distrust amongst staff members It is a continuous effort Mechelen 25/2/2016

8. Individual interventions Partners round table Based on social mapping To create individual programs of support Define roles Avoid a crowded living room Unity of command Mechelen 25/2/2016

9. Final reflections –No more departures since May 2014, BUT… –On the right track, but still work ahead of us From trial and error to methodological sustainability –Evaluation models e.g. –Vilvoorde as a laboratory A lot of capacity needed –In need of support from the above local level Difficult balance between repressive and social approach –Collaboration between police and social partners –Inclusion instead of exclusion Mechelen 25/2/2016