Social Work and Countering Violent Extremism

This book introduces social work audiences to the current field of countering violent extremism (CVE), offering an international perspective on its theories, approaches, and prevention and intervention practices.

Addressing CVE from a social work perspective is an innovative and timely undertaking. Across the globe, social workers are key stakeholders in the field of CVE and many CVE programs employ social workers to practice in different intervention programs. On a theoretical and conceptual level, due to how the field of CVE has emerged in many countries, social work has to date been largely absent from CVE research and knowledge production. This book fills this gap by covering the following areas:

- Bridging the Gap between Social Work and Countering Violent Extremism

- An Overview of Radicalization and Extremism Terminology and Theory

- Disengagement and Exiting from Violent Extremism: Holistic Assessment, Case Management, and Clinical Practice

- Multi-Agency Collaboration, Youth Radicalization, Family Interventions, and Justice Settings

- Outlook and Opportunities for Social Work and Beyond

Social Work and Countering Violent Extremism: Case Management, Direct Practice and Multi-Sectoral Collaboration offers the first in-depth orientation for social workers involved in CVE efforts. Designed for social workers and other practitioners directly engaged in CVE, this book illustrates how core CVE intervention methods—such as casework, assessment, case management, and community practice—are rooted in social work principles. It is equally relevant for professionals across sectors who might encounter radicalization in their work, including those in schools, community organizations, local agencies, mental health, and other frontline settings. By highlighting social workers’ unique skills in clinical practice, social reintegration, and building community resilience, this book positions the profession at the forefront of preventing and addressing violent extremism. This book contributes to the professionalization of the field and is an essential resource for social work and CVE scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike.