"Vi vet allerede hvem de er" : en studie av barnevernets møte med radikalisering og voldelig ekstremisme

Abstract

The research question presented in this thesis focuses on the Norwegian child welfare system and their approach to radicalization and violent extremism through their services. This is specified to the context of the Islamic State (IS) and the current situation in Syria and Iraq. The purpose of the study is to identify whether the child welfare system in Norway at municipal, state and organization level has the necessary means of aid in relation to the problem regarding youth. Data in this research is collected through conducting semi – structured interviews with coordinators of local crime prevention, child welfare workers and advisors, at municipal and state level. Academic literature and research highlighting radicalization – processes and violent extremism, specifically in relation to IS and Norwegian foreign fighters is presented as context for the research together with European and Norwegian legislation that is considered relevant to the research question. The research – based literature of Øyvind Kvello and the crime - prevention models of Tore Bjørgo is presented together with the Norwegian child welfare act of 1992 to give the reader an understanding of the professional field of the child welfare worker. The main findings of the research indicates that the Norwegian child welfare system are in position to handle the presented challenges in relation to radicalization and violent extremism. The means of aid available for the child welfare system through legislation and methodology can be adjusted to handle the problems of this area by using a wide and flexible approach compared to the current praxis. The study shows that it will be necessary for the child welfare agency at municipal level to adjust to the challenges of radicalization by increasing their knowledge on the area and related topics such as minority perspectives and religion. The strength of the child welfare system in Norway regarding the research – based approach of early efforts and interventions towards children at risk gives the child welfare worker knowledge on the fundamental problems of radicalization and violent extremism. This approach should therefore continue to be strengthened and shared with other professional fields working with youth in order to be able to prevent radicalization and violent extremism as early as possible. The study shows that the Norwegian child welfare workers and their knowledge on detecting children at risk and presenting their families with the help needed will be an efficient approach in preventing radicalization and violent extremism at the earliest and least invasive stage possible.