No child should be at the mercy of criminals.

Exploited children deserve to be kept safe. Agree? Sign your name.

The criminal exploitation of children is when a child is coerced into committing criminal acts – for someone else’s benefit.

An exploited child is a victim. They should be kept safe. Not blamed for their exploitation, or written off as a criminal.

Young lives are being lost and destroyed. We can prevent children being exploited and end this crisis.

What are we calling for?

We’re calling for change in how the UK prevents, and responds to, the criminal exploitation of children.

A ‘welfare-first’ response to offences committed by criminally exploited young people. Victims of exploitation are entitled to legal protections from the criminal justice system – so they have a chance to rebuild their futures
New powers for the police and courts to see adults who exploit children face justice – ensuring that exploiters answer for their crimes
A new statutory definition of criminal exploitation of children, alongside a national plan to prevent the exploitation of children, led by the UK government – to transform and join up how all services keep children safe
Funding for early intervention services to support children and their families, before they’re trapped in exploitation – so there is somewhere to go for help

What is the criminal exploitation of children?

The criminal exploitation of children is when a child is coerced into committing criminal acts, for someone else’s benefit.
Criminals who exploit children are skilled at picking out young people they can control. Often, these are children who’ve felt let down or pushed out elsewhere.
It can start with just running a few errands, but it often quickly escalates. Victims can end up witnessing, or even carrying out, serious crime and violence.
Serious organised crime networks, local street gangs, and people traffickers may all exploit children for their own benefit. Exploiters can work on their own or be part of a group.
Exploited children are exposed to things no child should experience. This trauma changes the way they see the world. They struggle to see a life for themselves away from crime.
In the eyes of the justice system, the child is too easily seen as the criminal, not the victim. Too often, the chance to spot an exploited child and offer them support, is missed.
To exit exploitation, children need to be able to hope for a better life for themselves – but they also need proper help.
Find out more on our website.

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“Do I want to lose my freedom or do I want to be dead? I don't want none of that. I want to be alive. I want to be living. I want to have a family.”
Danny, young person with experience of exploitation

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