Child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation

About the issue

Care experienced children and young adults are likely to have the kinds of vulnerabilities that make them a target for criminals who wish to criminally and/or sexually exploit them, such as backgrounds of trauma and abuse and lack of adult care and oversight. Young, care experienced adults, living on their own with limited support are extremely vulnerable to criminals, who may try to use their properties for criminal activities, a process known as “cuckooing”.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) may involve County Lines activity although this is not the only form of criminal exploitation. There can also be a cross-over between CCE and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), for example, children may be forced to hide drugs internally or be coerced into carrying out sexual activities and offences that are filmed as part of a control process. Both boys and girls can be victims of both CCE and CSE, so both should always be considered. Recent research (2021) conducted by CASCADE and funded by Health Care Research Wales examined how children are targeted, groomed, and criminally exploited in Wales.

It can be very worrying, even frightening, to suspect that a child or young adult is the victim of CCE or CSE. There are now many sources of support for practitioners who have concerns and you should never be dealing with these worries alone. However, it is essential that everyone working with care experienced children and young adults is equipped with some basic knowledge in order to prevent criminalisation and to initiate safeguarding responses where necessary. Use the resources on this page to:

Understand: definitions of CCE and CSE; characteristics that make children and young adults vulnerable to exploitation; the grooming process.
Spot the signs that might suggest a child or young adult is being groomed or exploited.
Know where to go to for help and advice if you have concerns.
If a child or young adult is arrested: raise any concerns about CCE or CSE; know there are possible defences for criminal activities committed through exploitation under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and have an awareness of the National Referral Mechanism and the Independent Child Trafficking Guardians service; consult a specialist lawyer, either a youth justice lawyer or someone with expertise in modern slavery; put safeguarding support in place and encourage trauma-informed practices; ensure potential victims of exploitation are treated as victims not criminals.

Best Practice Safeguarding Process for Children poster

For use when responding to possible exploitation through county lines.

County Lines Exploitation Practice guidance for YOTs and frontline practitioners

Criminal Exploitation of children and vulnerable adults: County Lines guidance

Child exploitation disruption toolkit

National County Lines Coordination Centre

The National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) has produced a number of videos explaining what county lines is, the National Referral Mechanism and the legal defence under section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act.

St Giles Trust

A mini-series of videos created to explore five different vulnerabilities to child exploitation, including childhood trauma and abuse.

The Children’s Society

A video explaining the three stages of grooming.

Missing People's SafeCall Service

SafeCall provides confidential, anonymous support to young victims of county lines exploitation and their families to help them get safe, stay safe and deal with the challenges they face. The team is available 9am to 11pm, 7 days a week to provide support via a free helpline – text or call 116000.

Better Futures Cymru

Better Futures Cymru provides assessment and longer term therapeutic intervention services for children and young people with sexualised histories across Wales, including young people who have been the victims of sexual abuse; young people who display problematic or Harmful Sexual Behaviour; and young people who are at risk of or are abused through Child Sexual Exploitation. It is managed by Barnardo’s.

Abianda

Abianda is a social enterprise, based in England, that works with young women and girls affected by 'gangs' and county lines and provides training for the professionals who work with them.

Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT UK)

Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT UK) is a leading children's rights organisation working to protect children from trafficking and transnational exploitation, including Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children. it provides direct support to children who have been exploited and training for professionals.

Safer Communities Wales

Information, videos and training on child and adult sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation and modern slavery.

North Wales Safeguarding Board

Understanding CSE.