A disproportionate number of referrals from agencies raising concerns about extremist ideology in young people come from regional NSW. 

While 34% of the NSW population lives in regional areas in the state, they make up 40% of referrals to the Department of Communities and Justice's "Engagement and Support Program." 

The little known Engagement and Support Program (ESP) is "a voluntary, consent-based program that aims to assist individuals to make positive changes that limit their risk of involvement in violent extremism". 

According to the Department, ESP case managers work with people "who may be vulnerable to violent extremism to build protective factors and develop a positive sense of identity, belonging, and self-worth." 

Heather Jackson, Acting Director of the Countering Violent Extremism Engagement and Support Unit at the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, explained that the ESP recently held a session in Dubbo, which some representatives from the Western Plains attended. 

"The Department of Communities and Justice regularly presents briefings to youth workers and youth organizations across NSW to raise awareness about our ESP.

"Our service is state-wide and includes audiences from organizations working across health, mental health, multicultural groups, education, family, and youth services as well as councils, early intervention services, and law enforcement," she said.  

"While we are not seeing different challenges or vulnerabilities in clients from regional areas than any other location in NSW," Jackson said. "What we are seeing is more children with online engagement and behaviors in combination with other factors in their life that make them vulnerable to online grooming.

"This is not to say that anyone who spends increased unmonitored time online will be exposed to extremist content. It just means that the risk increases." 

According to the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies, "Violent extremists come from an extensive range of backgrounds.

"There is no particular national, cultural, ethnic, religious, socio-economic, or educational background that predisposes an individual or a group to become vulnerable to or engaged in violent extremist ideology. They are, however, more likely to radicalise in their teens and twenties than at a later age, and they are more likely to be male than female". 

Jackson said that only a "very small number of people are found to be vulnerable to engaging or supporting violent extremism or using violence for change" and that "there is no one pathway to violent extremism, although it's often set in motion through a desire for social connection." 

"Many clients are seeking escapism online where they can create a different persona and feel a sense of connection."  

Jackson said if a friend or family member knew of someone who might be heading down that path and that it is a non-emergency situation , they could get engage with an early intervention helpline called Step Together. 

"In a safe and confidential space, qualified support workers can guide you in helping others and connect you with appropriate support services in your community. Or they may refer directly to our Engagement and Support Program which is a case-managed program that works towards diversion and disengagement".