Assessing Youth Radicalisation with the VERA 2R: Implications for Intervention and Case Management

Authors

  • Steve Barracosa Youth Justice New South Wales
  • Adrian Cherney University of Queensland

Keywords:

Youth Radicalisation, Risk Assessment, Countering Violent Extremism, Intervention, Case Management

Abstract

The field of violent extremism risk assessment is underdeveloped regarding implementation with youth. This is notable given the increasing number of youths referred to countering violent extremism (CVE) programs and the role of risk assessment in informing decisions around case management and intervention. This paper reports results from a study using primary data that applied the Violent Extremism Risk Assessment – Version 2 Revised (VERA-2R) tool to a sample of at-risk and radicalised Australian youth below the age of 18 years. The study had two aims: first, to examine the practical utility of the VERA 2R when field tested with a youth cohort, and second, to identify implications for violent extremism risk assessment and associated case management and intervention planning. An experienced practitioner (first author) trained in the VERA-2R undertook the assessments of 16 youth referred to CVE services in one Australian state. The findings indicate that while most risk indicators in the VERA-2R are broadly applicable to youth, the tool did have limitations. These findings are considered alongside several observed implementation challenges regarding interventions with youth and their case management needs.

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Published

2026-06-26

Issue

No. 47: Summer 2026

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Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Steve Barracosa, Adrian Cherney

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