At Parents for Peace, we know that prevention is not only possible—it’s essential. Addressing extremism early saves lives, protects communities, and reduces the financial burden on law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Thanks to support from the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), we continue to provide early intervention that changes lives. CP3 is a national initiative that funds and supports local organizations like ours that work directly with individuals and families to prevent targeted violence before it occurs.
Their recently released Fiscal Year 2024 Report to Congress highlights how prevention efforts across the country are making communities safer while saving taxpayer dollars. Two of our case studies were featured in that report (the cases are kept anonymous due to the sensitive nature of these issues).
Case Study 1: A Family’s Concern, A Risk Averted
In April 2023, a psychologist reached out to our helpline about an adolescent who had become increasingly drawn to antisemitic beliefs and a fascination with weapons. The child’s parents echoed these concerns, describing a shift in behavior, growing isolation, and alarming online activity.
Our first step was to listen carefully, assess the level of risk, and provide immediate guidance. We connected the family with appropriate mental health support and helped the parents understand why their child was drawn to extremist beliefs. Instead of confrontation, we encouraged them to focus on strengthening their relationship with their child and increasing real-world engagement through pro-social activities.
Over the summer, the teen attended camps, formed new friendships, and began to reconnect with their family. A more accurate mental health diagnosis led to improved treatment, and by the start of the new school year, the child had moved away from the harmful beliefs that once seemed entrenched.
This is the power of prevention: a young person at risk found belonging in a healthier way—before it was too late.
Case Study 2: From Online Radicalization to Real-World Intervention
In April 2024, a mother called our helpline after an FBI Special Agent referred her to us. Her teenage son had been flagged for communicating with ISIS supporters in online chatrooms and expressing interest in becoming a violent jihadist.
The stakes were high. Without intervention, this young person could have faced serious legal consequences, including material support charges.
Over 16 intervention sessions, our team worked closely with the family. The root issue wasn’t ideological commitment—it was severe social anxiety and a desperate search for belonging.
Through one-on-one mentoring, our peer exit specialist helped the young man refocus on a future with real opportunities instead of extremism. We also reinforced the seriousness of law enforcement concerns and made sure he understood the legal and personal consequences of his actions.
By addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that made extremist ideology appealing, we helped this young person safely off-ramp before he crossed the line into criminal activity.
Why Early Intervention Matters
These cases demonstrate what we know to be true: Prevention works.
🔹 Without intervention, these young people might have been on a path toward violence, incarceration, or tragedy.
🔹 With the right support at the right time, they safely disengaged and found healthier paths forward.
Prevention isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s also a cost-effective solution. The cost of surveillance, law enforcement intervention, trials, and incarceration far outweighs the cost of early intervention. By working with individuals before they reach a crisis point, we save lives and reduce the burden on public resources.
At Parents for Peace, we are committed to helping families navigate these challenges before it’s too late. With the support of CP3, we are proving that intervention saves lives.
To learn more about how prevention efforts are making a difference across the country, read CP3’s Fiscal Year 2024 Report to Congress.
If you or someone you know is struggling with extremist beliefs, call our free and confidential helpline: 1-844-49-PEACE.
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