Faith, Identity and Belonging: Preventing Criminal Recruitment with Tim Rosier Pt. 2: Identity Before Intervention

From The ISSUP Exchange · 16:27

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In this second episode of Faith, Identity and Belonging: Preventing Criminal Recruitment, Professor Goodman Sibeko continues the conversation with Tim Rosier, exploring how the need for identity, recognition, safety and belonging can make young people vulnerable to recruitment.They discuss how gangs and organised criminal networks exploit these needs, particularly through online spaces, and why it is important to recognise vulnerability without labelling young people or treating risk as their destiny.The conversation also looks at the role of families, schools, youth workers and faith communities in providing trusted relationships, safe spaces and a genuine sense of belonging. Tim reflects on the contribution faith communities can make to prevention, alongside the need for stronger research into faith-based approaches.This episode highlights an important part of prevention: creating places where young people feel valued, connected and supported before exploitative groups fill that gap.Featured Voices Host – A/Prof. Goodman Sibeko ISSUP Global Scientific Advisor.Head of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.LinkedIn: goodmansibekoTwitter/X: @profgsibekoGuest – Tim RosierTim Rosier is a freelance academic educator and consultant most recently a Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby. His professional journey spans probation, youth justice, prison work, public health and academic research. That combination of frontline and scholarly experience informs his interest in why some young people become involved in crime while others remain resilient in the face of similar adversity, and in how identity, belonging, faith and positive relationships may contribute to prevention and long-term desistance.Connect with Tim: Tim Rosier on LinkedInRead his publication: Growing in maturity, growing in faith, growing out of crime: The role of children’s and young people’s faith in desistance. Read it here.Time Stamps[00:00] – Introduction[00:40] – Why Identity and Belonging Matter[01:30] – What Makes Young People Vulnerable to Recruitment?[03:10] – Understanding Risk Without Labelling Young People[04:13] – How Criminal Groups Recruit and Exploit Young People[06:28] – Recognising Early Signs of Recruitment[08:48] – What Can Communities Offer Young People?[10:27] – The Role of Faith Communities in Prevention[12:04] – Meaningful Faith Engagement Beyond Religious Attendance[13:12] – Examples of Faith-Based Prevention Work[14:16] – Research Gaps in Faith-Based Prevention[15:26] – Closing ReflectionsAbout the ISSUP Exchange The ISSUP Exchange podcast series explores the evolution of responses to the challenges of substance use—from research and training to ethics, quality standards and evidence-based practice. We connect the dots so you can see the big picture.Explore more episodes and join the ISSUP podcast community here>>>About ISSUP ISSUP is a global network that unites, connects, and shares knowledge across the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support workforce. Our mission is to make our members’ work as effective as possible—by providing access to training, resources, and a vibrant professional community.

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