In today’s increasingly polarized world, families often find themselves grappling with a heartbreaking reality: a loved one drawn into extremism. Whether it’s white nationalism, radical Islam, or conspiracy-driven ideologies like QAnon, the path to radicalization can feel isolating and irreversible. But as highlighted in a Bloomberg feature on Parents for Peace, there is hope, and there is help.
Understanding Extremism as a Public Health Issue
At Parents for Peace, we approach extremism not as an intractable ideological battle, but as a public health issue—one that requires compassion, early intervention, and a tailored support system. The Bloomberg article spotlighted our unique methodology, comparing it to addiction recovery. Just as people struggling with substance abuse turn to alcohol or drugs as coping mechanisms, individuals drawn into extremism often seek a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose.
Instead of shame or confrontation, our approach prioritizes understanding the root causes—loneliness, social anxiety, past trauma, or developmental vulnerabilities—that make individuals susceptible to radical beliefs. By addressing these underlying factors, families can guide their loved ones toward disengagement in a sustainable way.
Real Lives, Real Impact
The Bloomberg piece detailed the powerful story of Amy (a pseudonym), a mother whose autistic teenage son, Jack, fell into radical Islam after being exposed to extremist videos at school. Despite legal intervention, therapy, and residential treatment, he struggled to break free from extremist thinking. That’s when Amy found Parents for Peace.
Through our guidance, Amy learned how to communicate with her son in ways that wouldn’t push him further into extremism. She stopped reacting with fear and instead asked open-ended questions, helping him reflect on his beliefs rather than doubling down. Over time, Jack’s extremist views began to fade—though, like many struggling with radicalization, his path to recovery has been nonlinear. Parents for Peace provided Amy with the tools, the community, and the ongoing support she needed to stay engaged in her son’s journey.
A Proven Model: Compassionate Intervention
Our work is built on a multidisciplinary approach that blends elements of family counseling, addiction recovery, traditional therapy, and cult deprogramming. We train families to resist the instinct to argue or shame and instead focus on building trust and connection—critical components in helping someone step away from an extremist mindset. Our team of experts and former extremists provides mentorship, guiding individuals toward positive, nonviolent identities and social networks.
The Bloomberg feature also highlighted the story of Chris Buckley, a former Ku Klux Klan leader who now works with Parents for Peace. His own experience of leaving extremism behind allows him to relate to and mentor those still entangled in hateful ideologies. His journey underscores a key reality: people can change, but they need the right support to do so.
The Growing Demand for Our Work
With extremism continuing to evolve, the demand for Parents for Peace’s services has never been higher. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a threefold increase in calls to our national helpline, with families desperately seeking guidance. Yet, funding for deradicalization remains scarce. Unlike Europe, where intervention programs have been established for decades, the U.S. is still catching up in recognizing the need for long-term, community-based solutions to extremism.
Our work is free of charge and nonpartisan—we help families affected by all forms of extremism, whether it’s Islamist extremism, far-right nationalism, or conspiracy-based radicalization. But we rely on the support of donors, partners, and policymakers to expand our impact.
A Call to Action
If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of extremism in their family, Parents for Peace is here to help. Our confidential helpline provides a safe space to seek guidance, learn intervention strategies, and connect with experts who have walked this path before.
To read the full Bloomberg article, click here.
If you believe in our mission and want to support families in crisis, consider donating to Parents for Peace. Your contribution helps us expand our services and reach more families in need.
Together, we can build a future where extremism no longer tears families apart, and where compassion and connection guide the way forward.
