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Children's Commissioner Warns Counter-Terror Programme Not Suitable for Many Referred Children

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 · 1 sources

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner, has expressed concerns that many children referred to the government's counter-terror programme are not suitable for it. She warns that these children need help, but the current programme is not providing the necessary support.

Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner, has warned that a growing number of children referred to the government's counter-terror programme are not suitable for it. These children are often fixated with violence, but the programme is not equipped to provide them with the help they need. According to Dame de Souza, the programme is not the right solution for many of these children, and alternative support systems should be put in place to address their needs.

The children's commissioner has raised concerns that the current approach may not be effective in preventing these children from being drawn into violent extremism. She emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate support and interventions to help these children overcome their fixation with violence and reintegrate into society. The government's counter-terror programme is designed to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, but Dame de Souza's warnings suggest that it may not be working as intended for many children who are referred to it.

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What is the government's counter-terror programme?

The government's counter-terror programme is designed to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. It provides support and interventions to individuals who are considered to be at risk of radicalization.

Why are many children not suitable for the programme?

According to Dame Rachel de Souza, many children referred to the programme are not suitable for it because they have complex needs that the programme is not equipped to address. These children may be fixated with violence, but they require alternative support systems to help them overcome their issues.

What kind of support do these children need?

The children who are not suitable for the counter-terror programme need alternative support systems that can address their complex needs. This may include counseling, therapy, and other interventions to help them overcome their fixation with violence and reintegrate into society.

What are the implications of the children's commissioner's warnings?

The children's commissioner's warnings suggest that the government's counter-terror programme may not be working as intended for many children who are referred to it. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the programme and the need for alternative approaches to support children who are at risk of radicalization.

What action can be taken to address the issue?

To address the issue, the government and other stakeholders can work together to develop alternative support systems that can provide the necessary help and interventions to children who are not suitable for the counter-terror programme. This may involve providing additional funding and resources to support these children and their families.