Dropout Programme for Right-wing Extremists

Concept

Zoom© Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz Emblem of the dropout Programme for Right-wing Extremists

Right-wing extremism is a social problem which forces the government to take action in many fields. The dropout programme of the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV) is a contribution of the Federal Ministry of the Interior to the Federal Government's action catalogue against right-wing extremism, xenophobia and violence.

The dropout programme was launched by BfV in 2001 to help individuals to leave the right-wing extremist scene. It is designed to motivate in particular young people to opt out of the right-wing extremist milieu and to strengthen their determination. The BfV wants to address people who have come under the sphere of influence of right-wing extremist groups and who want to get out, but are not able to do so on their own.

Since 17 April 2001, a hotline has been active 24 hours a day, which can be contacted by right-wing extremists who are determined to opt out:

Phone: 0221 / 792-62
Email: aussteiger@bfv.bund.de

BfV offers individual support in various forms:

• advice to parents, family members and partners of those concerned

• personal contact and care during the process of disengagement

• arrangement of opportunities for further education or job training

• help in dealing with the authorities

• contacts with employers and probation officers

• help, when external offers of assistance are needed, for example in case of alcohol and drug problems or debts

• support in the event of a threat posed by members of the right-wing extremist scene, e.g. help finding accommodation and arrangement of the relocation. In individual cases, for example if moving is absolutely imperative, it will be possible to grant financial support on a one-time basis.

All supporting measures are based on the principle of "Helping People Help Themselves".

Hotlines for Right-wing extremists who want to opt out

Apart from the BfV's hotline, there are similar programmes for right-wing extremists who want to extract themselves from the scene offered by other authorities. These dropout programmes are implemented by various offices such as state criminal police offices, ministries of justice, youth and social welfare offices, but also LfVs. Their focuses may vary and be different from those of BfV.