Child Criminal Exploitation

Criminal exploitation of children can include:

  • ‘County lines’ activity – where drug networks or gangs groom and exploit children to carry drugs and money from urban areas to suburban, rural and seaside areas;
  • Sexual exploitation;
  • Domestic servitude or slavery;
  • Involvement in criminal activity such as pick-pocketing.

A child going missing from education can be a warning sign that they are being exploited in this way.

If you’re worried about a child, speak to your DSL (deputy DSL) and follow the school’s procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns.

Do not investigate any concerns – you may put the child at risk of harm.

Gov.UK – County Lines: County Lines Criminal Exploitation of Children and Vulnerable Adults

Catch-22 social business: Child Criminal Exploitation