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    Recognising Child Criminal Exploitation

    What is Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)?

    Recognising exploitation early — protecting young people and rebuilding brighter futures.

    What is Criminal Exploitation?

    Criminal exploitation is when an individual or a group manipulates, deceives, coerces or controls someone under the age of 18 to take part in any activity which breaks the law. All children are at risk of criminal exploitation, including girls.

    County Lines & Grooming

    You may have heard the term “county lines”, which is one form of criminal exploitation. It is when people involved in criminal activity identify, target and befriend children, either online or offline, and manipulate them into dealing drugs or other activities across geographical areas.

    Different Forms of Exploitation

    Criminal exploitation can take many forms, from making children hold, hide or deliver drugs, money or weapons, to forcing children to steal, harm others or beg. Children can also be exploited through sexual exploitation, and sometimes a child can be exploited criminally and sexually at the same time. Children may also have been trafficked around the UK or to the UK from another country and forced into child labour, modern slavery, or criminal activities.

    What is exploitation?

    How are children criminally exploited?

    Exploitation is a form of abuse, and it happens when those who want to harm, do so. A child is never to blame for being exploited.

    All children are at risk of being criminally exploited.

    However, some young people may be more at risk because they have more unmet needs that exploiters will use to manipulate and control them. This might include those who have experienced previous abuse, are homeless, are misusing alcohol and drugs, have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), are in care, are out of education, have run away/ gone missing from home or care, or are involved with a gang.

    When a child is trafficked or criminally exploited, this can involve the use of violence or fear of violence towards the child or their family. But this is not always the case.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic some children were at increased risk of criminal exploitation, and our frontline workers are concerned that the cost-of-living crisis will have the same impact. Mounting financial pressures could mean more children will be coerced into criminal activity, through the promise of money to support their families or to buy basic necessities.

    What barriers do children face to getting help for criminal exploitation?

    There are many barriers for children who are being criminally exploited to access the help and support they deserve.

    Children can often be criminalised by those who need to protect them rather than being recognised as being exploited and manipulated. Children can commit criminal offences whilst being exploited, but they may fear for their own safety or the safety of their family if they don’t do what they are told to do.

    Criminal exploitation can be challenging to recognise for parents and professionals. Children themselves may not recognise or understand that they are being or have been exploited.
    We can support children being exploited by learning how to recognise the signs and indicators of exploitation, and in taking the time to talk to them if we notice anything we might be concerned about.

    What are the signs and indicators that a child is being criminally exploited?

    It's important to be aware of the signs and indicators of child criminal exploitation. Child criminal exploitation can take many different forms, all of which can cause serious harm. There are different types of exploitation that children can experience. They can often occur simultaneously with other forms of exploitation and abuse.

    Although there is no exhaustive list and no two experiences of criminal exploitation are the same, the following are some of the signs and indicators you can look out for.

    Behavioural signs of criminal exploitation can include:

    • avoiding certain people, places or situations
    • sudden changes in behaviour, mood or appearance
    • reluctance to participate in activities they once enjoyed
    • emotional outbursts or extreme mood swings
    • fear of being alone with certain individuals
    • withdrawing from family and friends

    Physical signs of criminal exploitation can include:

    • unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries on the body
    • difficulty walking or sitting
    • torn, stained or bloody underwear
    • signs of restraint, such as rope burns or handcuff marks
    • drug or alcohol addiction

    Online signs of criminal exploitation can include:

    • secretive or unusual computer or smartphone usage
    • receiving gifts or packages from unfamiliar people
    • sharing personal information with strangers online
    • being approached by strangers online or through social media platforms

     

    If you suspect that your child is being exploited, it’s important to take action right away. Speak with your child immediately and provide them with a safe and supportive environment where they can share their concerns. Additionally, you should report any suspicions of child exploitation to your local authorities or child protection agencies. 

    Safe, Stable Care When It’s Needed Most.

    Specialist Support for Exploited Young People.

    Specialist, Child-Centred Support

    Elm Residential Care provides safety, stability and tailored care for young people affected by child criminal exploitation and county lines, using therapeutic support and personalised guidance to help them heal and thrive.

    Growth, Resilience & Enriched Opportunities

    Through innovative learning, life skills development, mentoring and positive experiences, Elm empowers young people with confidence, resilience and the tools they need to build brighter futures.
    Learn more about how Elm supports vulnerable young people.

    Speak to Our Team.

    Every child deserves care, stability, and a future they can believe in. Whether you need support or want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.

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