Exploitation (CSE / CCE) and county lines

Learning outcomes

• Define child sexual and criminal exploitation and the county lines model
• Recognise grooming and the indicators of exploitation
• Apply the principle that a child cannot consent to their own exploitation
• Escalate concerns and contribute to disruption

Module 1 of 3

What exploitation looks like

Exploitation occurs where a child receives something — money, drugs, status, affection, accommodation, protection — in return for sexual activity or criminal activity. County lines describes gangs using children to move and sell drugs between areas, often far from home.

Grooming builds slowly: targeting a child who is isolated or unhappy, offering attention and gifts, creating dependency and a sense of debt, isolating them from safe adults, and then introducing exploitation. By that stage the child usually believes they are in a relationship or a genuine friendship.

Module 2 of 3

Indicators

Watch for unexplained money, phones, clothing or trainers; new older friends; frequent missing episodes; travel to other towns; multiple phones; secrecy about contacts; injuries; sexually transmitted infections; and a marked change in language, appearance or mood.

Boys and young men are frequently missed, as are children with disabilities and LGBTQ+ children. Do not screen out a child because they do not fit the stereotype.

Module 3 of 3

Responding

Report every concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day so a National Referral Mechanism referral can be considered where trafficking or modern slavery is indicated. Children exploited into criminality may have a statutory defence under the Modern Slavery Act.

Keep the relationship. Children rarely disclose the first time they are asked; they disclose to the adult who stayed consistent, non-judgemental and available across weeks and months.