Follow the conference on X #CountyLinesExploitation
“Child criminal exploitation is common in county lines and occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”
Serious Violence Strategy
“You’ve got children whose families can’t afford school meals, and they are outside, hungry and cold. Someone in nice trainers turns up and gets them a burger or a warm coat. That’s often how they are being recruited.”
Sara Cunningham, Director, Diversify
As part of a continued focus on ending gang violence and exploitation, the government has updated guidance for frontline professionals on managing criminal exploitation in relation to county lines. It is essential that those working with vulnerable children and young adults are equipped with knowledge in this very complex area.
With the impact of the cost-of-living crisis being felt up and down the county, there are many more children becoming vulnerable to county lines drugs gangs. Join us for this one-day conference to hear from expert speakers, including those with lived experience, to help you to understand the risks as well as supporting you to identify and intervene where children and young people are at risk.
Who should attend?
Any frontline workers in contact with vulnerable children and young people, including Social Workers, Teachers, Safeguarding Officers/Pastoral Leads, Charity/Voluntary Sector Workers, Medical Staff, Policy Makers
Learning Outcomes
This conference will enable you to:
Hear from lived experience speakers to help you to understand the reality of county lines exploitation
Explore the new government guidance on county lines
Understand the impact of new technologies criminal exploitation
Identify children and young people at heightened risk of exploitation into county lines
Take proactive action to support children most at risk
Be clear on which behaviours can indicate involvement in county lines and be aware of early warning signs
Understand your obligations to respond to concerns regarding exploitation
Provide training to staff on the front line
Work effectively with other agencies, and understand the importance of communication and collaboration
