Part II - Intervention, Accountability, and Off-Ramps: Responding to Teen Radicalization

Part II was a practical examination of how institutions respond once teen radicalization is identified. This session focused on prevention, intervention, and accountability, including early engagement with schools, families, and at-risk youth, as well as the availability and limits of government “off-ramping” and deradicalization efforts. The panel addressed the legal and procedural challenges of prosecuting minors in terrorism-related cases, from statutory constraints and sentencing to coordination with state and local authorities and handling sensitive evidence. The discussion also examined the defense perspective, alternative outcomes beyond trial, post-release support, and the growing role of private-sector and peer-to-peer intervention organizations. The goal of this session was to assess what works, where gaps remain, and how families and institutions can better respond to youth radicalization. 

Panelists included:

• Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern: Director of Trauma Training and Services, Parents for Peace; lecturer, Harvard Medical School
• Cassandra Carnright: Special Agent, FBI
• Steven J. Dollear: Shareholder, Vedder Price’s Chicago office & Former Chief of the National Security and Cybercrime Section at the U.S. Attorney’s Office
• Joshua G. Herman: Attorney at Law, Law Office of Joshua G. Herman

This event was moderated by the Program on Extremism Senior Research Fellow Barry Jonas.