Child Criminal Exploitation CCE
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is when children and young people are manipulated, coerced, or forced into sexual activities for the benefit of others. It is a form of abuse and can pose serious risks to a young person’s safety, wellbeing, and future.
CSE often involves activities such as sexual abuse, grooming, sharing explicit images, or trafficking for sexual purposes. Children may not always realise they are being exploited, particularly when abusers disguise their actions as friendship, affection, or belonging.
Young people from any background can be affected, but those with additional vulnerabilities — such as poor mental health, low self-esteem, unstable home environments, or a lack of trusted adults — are at greater risk.
Professionals play a vital role in recognising the signs, building trust, and ensuring young people are safeguarded and supported to exit exploitation safely.
-
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) involves situations where children and young people are manipulated, coerced, or forced into sexual activities, often for the benefit of others. In return, they may receive ‘something’ they value — such as affection, gifts, money, attention, or a sense of belonging — creating the illusion of choice or reward.
CSE typically occurs within exploitative relationships and environments where the power dynamic is unequal. The young person may not initially recognise that they are being exploited and may believe they are acting independently or voluntarily.
Those who exploit young people often hold power over them due to factors such as age, gender, physical strength, social status, access to resources, or perceived authority. Control is frequently maintained through threats, violence, intimidation, or emotional manipulation.
Involvement in sexual exploitation is often shaped by the young person’s limited choices, influenced by social, emotional, or economic vulnerability. This might include poverty, lack of safe housing, poor mental health, care experience, or exclusion from education.
-
If you are concerned that a child or young person may be at risk of sexual exploitation, it is crucial to act promptly and follow safeguarding procedures. Early identification and intervention can help protect the young person from further harm.
Complete the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Checklist
Use the CSE Checklist to record and assess the concerns. This tool helps professionals gather relevant information about possible exploitation, including known associates, behaviours, locations, and patterns.
Download the CSE Checklist here: CE Checklist – Wirral Safeguarding Board (April 2020)
Include as much detail as possible — full names, dates of birth, locations, known peers or adults involved.
You can submit the checklist to the Compass team at: compass@wirral.gov.uk
You may also request a consultation with Compass to discuss your concerns in more detail.
Make a Safeguarding Referral
If you believe the young person is at immediate risk or you have significant safeguarding concerns, you must make a referral to the Integrated Front Door (IFD) without delay.
Follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures.
Share relevant information clearly and promptly.
Contact the Police if Required
If there is an incident or information that requires police involvement:
Call 999 if there is an immediate risk or danger.
Call 101 for non-emergency concerns.
Submit intelligence directly to Merseyside Police via their online portal:
Submit Information to Merseyside PoliceThe more detail you can provide, the more useful it will be (e.g. names, addresses, dates of birth, vehicles, locations, times).
Key Message:
Do not delay. If in doubt — share your concerns, seek advice, and work together with safeguarding partners. Your action could help prevent serious harm or exploitation. -
Supporting a young person involved in or at risk of sexual exploitation can be complex and emotionally challenging. Professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding, building trust, and helping the young person find a way out of exploitation. Here’s how to approach it effectively:
Build Trust Over Time
Avoid rushing the young person to disclose. They may feel frightened, ashamed, or believe they are in control of the situation.
Be consistent, non-judgemental, and calm — your relationship may be the only safe, stable one they have.
Listen Without Interrogation
Let the young person speak in their own words. Don’t push for details or make promises you can’t keep.
Show that you’re taking their situation seriously, even if they downplay the risks.
Reassure Without Blame
Make it clear they are not at fault. Use language that avoids blame (e.g. “someone is taking advantage of you” rather than “you’re making bad choices”).
Be Aware of Trauma Responses
Behaviour such as aggression, withdrawal, or silence may be trauma-related, not rudeness or defiance.
Respond with empathy, patience, and curiosity — not punishment.
Record and Report Concerns Promptly
Use tools like the CSE Checklist to capture information clearly.
Share concerns with safeguarding leads and refer to the Integrated Front Door (IFD) if the child is at risk.
Submit intelligence to police where appropriate, even if the young person doesn’t want to make a formal report.
Work in Partnership
Liaise with other professionals: social care, youth justice, police, education, and health.
Regularly attend multi-agency meetings and share key information to build a full picture of risk.
Stay Curious
Ask open-ended, non-confrontational questions:
“What do you get out of spending time with them?”
“What would happen if you didn’t meet them?”
“Has anyone ever asked you to do something that didn’t feel right?”
Prioritise Safety Planning
Support the young person to think about how they can stay safe, even if they’re not ready to exit the situation.
Help them identify trusted adults, safe places, and ways to get help if they feel threatened.
Provide Choices and Control
Empower them by involving them in decisions about their support.
Let them know they have options and that it’s okay to ask for help when they’re ready.
Don’t Give Up
Progress may be slow or involve setbacks. The young person might deny involvement, return to exploitative relationships, or resist help.
Stay supportive. Your ongoing presence could be a lifeline.
Key Message for Professionals:
CSE is abuse. It is never the young person’s fault, and it often thrives on fear, silence, and isolation. Your empathy, consistency, and willingness to act could be what helps break that cycle.
Risk Indicators
Understanding risk indicators related to Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is essential for professionals supporting children and young people. This tool uses a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) system to help assess levels of concern based on behaviours, associations, and signs of exploitation.
Low Risk
These indicators suggest the young person is currently not involved in sexual exploitation and shows signs of resilience and protective factors. They may be in environments where risks exist but are not currently affected.
Increased Risk
These signs suggest the young person is at heightened risk of sexual exploitation. They may be displaying changes in behaviour, forming inappropriate relationships, or showing signs of grooming that raise concern. Early intervention, monitoring, and support are recommended.
High Risk
These indicators reflect significant concern. The young person appears to be actively exploited, is in unsafe situations, or is being controlled, manipulated, or harmed by others. Immediate safeguarding action and referral to appropriate services are required.
-
Has strong, supportive relationships with family or carers
Attending education or training regularly and engaging well
No known association with individuals involved in criminal activity
Demonstrates good awareness of personal safety and risks
Able to seek help and talk openly with trusted adults
Involved in structured, positive activities
Shows no signs of coercion, control or unexplained changes in behaviour
The young person is aware of the risks linked to cannabis and actively takes steps to stay safe
They can confidently say no to peers and handle peer pressure in a positive way
They are part of a peer group where cannabis is used, but they choose not to use it themselves
They are able to identify potential risks related to drug use and understand how to minimise harm
They know how to respond in an emergency and are confident in seeking help if needed
They ensure they are not alone if they ever choose to use substances, prioritising safety
They take an active role in promoting safe behaviour within their friendship group
They maintain a supportive and stable peer network that respects their choices
They demonstrate responsible attitudes and behaviours around substance use
They are engaged in education, activities, and have future goals that are not impacted by substance use
-
Known to associate with peers or adults involved in criminal behaviour
Unexplained gifts, money, phones or clothing
Changes in behaviour, including increased secrecy, aggression, or withdrawal
Reduced engagement in school or frequent absences
Going missing occasionally without clear explanation
Concern about mental health, low self-esteem or increased vulnerability
Rumours or concerns from peers, staff or parents about involvement in risky behaviour
Found in areas they wouldn’t usually be, particularly known risk locations (e.g. county lines areas)
-
Evidence or strong suspicion of involvement in drug running, storing cash or weapons
Frequent episodes of going missing, often for long periods
Found in different towns/cities with no explanation (possible county lines involvement)
Known to be in contact with exploiters or organised groups
Physical injuries, signs of assault or sexual exploitation
Being controlled through threats, violence, debt, or fear
Self-harming, extreme behaviour changes, or significant decline in emotional wellbeing
Not engaging with education or professionals at all
Disclosure of exploitation, or direct involvement in criminal acts under pressure
Involvement in serious incidents (e.g. arrest, gang conflict, carrying weapons)