Dr Kate Barrelle1
1STREAT, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Dr. Kate Barrelle, STREAT’s Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer, is a clinical & forensic psychologist. She developed STREAT’s support and training model, oversees impact tracking, and leads STREAT’s allied health team. Kate is passionate about bridging research and practice. Kate consults in Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), designing tools and training used nationally. With experience in global security and as the co-author of Radar and PIM Tools, Kate advises governments, police, community, research teams, and counter-terrorism agencies. She remains an Adjunct Fellow at VU, focusing on safe, inclusive communities. Her favourite role is being the handler of ‘Magic’, STREAT’s Therapy Dog.
Abstract:
This presentation explores the potential of Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) in countering violent extremism (CVE) interventions. WISEs generate social outcomes by offering holistic training and employment to job-seekers with multiple barriers. They address factors that can interrupt radicalisation but, even more importantly, assist in redirecting individuals toward pro-social outcomes. WISEs provide supported training and employment pathways, integrating life skills and work readiness programs.
Consistent with the Pro-Integration Model (PIM) of reintegration after involvement in violent extremism (Barrelle, 2014), WISEs address three of the five PIM sectors – Coping and Wellbeing, Social Relations, and Sense of Self and Identity. The remaining two sectors – Behavioural Orientation and Ideas and Beliefs – may also be indirectly affected by modifying beliefs and values as participants explore a new sense of self and direction. In CVE, where 'enduring risk' is best moderated by building enduring strengths, WISEs hold much potential. Driven by social purpose, WISEs develop strengths, skills, and employment pathways for marginalised people, benefiting CVE case managers in planning for participants who genuinely want to work.
A case study of STREAT illustrates pre-vocational training in hospitality and horticulture, life-skills modules, specialist referrals, a therapy dog, and an internal allied health team. STREAT’s holistic program fosters resilience, self-reliance, and new social connections. Their ‘Learning to Earning’ model includes post-placement support, ensuring sustained employment and integration.
Reference:
Barrelle, K. (2014). Pro-integration: disengagement from and life after extremism. Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression, 7(2), 129–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/19434472.2014.988165