Alvéole

Radicalization leading to violence is a process influenced by many factors arising from the different spheres of life in which a person evolves, as well as from the context of the society to which they belong. Certain personal characteristics can also make a person more vulnerable or, on the contrary, more resilient to violent radicalization. Every radicalization pathway is unique, non-linear and multifactorial. An ecosystemic approach is therefore needed to address these situations, meaning that the person must be considered within their social environment, taking all contextual factors into account.

Both research and practice show that an approach fostering collaboration among professionals from different fields is the best way to provide support in a situation of radicalization that may lead to violence. Support requires a range of skills to deal with the conditions, behaviours and types of relationships arising from the different dimensions of the person’s social, emotional and psychological life.

Professionals from various disciplines may encounter this kind of situation in their practice: whether in the psychosocial, correctional, education, police, or health and social services sectors, everyone has a role to play in prevention. This complementary expertise is put to use through Alvéole, a situation analysis tool.

Although promising, the interdisciplinary approach is not always easy to adopt or to implement smoothly. Alvéole was developed precisely to facilitate the pooling of relevant expertise when dealing with complex and evolving situations. Alvéole makes it possible to better analyze situations of radicalization leading to violence in order to guide the various practitioners toward a shared reading of the situation.

Without being a clinical or risk assessment tool, Alvéole guides professionals in their analysis and lays a stronger foundation for appropriate and effective support.

Specific objectives:

• Provide a structured environment where participants can communicate, collaborate and share their expertise
• Help participants explore the various critical factors underlying the radicalization process and the potential for violence
• Build a shared understanding and trust among members of the interdisciplinary team
• Provide a supportive context for designing, implementing and evaluating support