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
Join us for an essential one-day conference dedicated to Safeguarding Children from County Lines Exploitation, designed for professionals working on the frontline of child protection. As County Lines operations continue to evolve and target vulnerable children, it's more important than ever to equip staff with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to combat this growing threat. Through a combination of expert-led presentations and real-life case studies, this conference will empower safeguarding professionals to identify risk factors, intervene early, and work collaboratively to prevent child exploitation.
Attendees will leave with practical skills and insights that can be implemented immediately within their organisations. From understanding the signs of County Lines involvement to mastering trauma-informed approaches for supporting affected children and families, this conference provides a comprehensive toolkit for anyone in a safeguarding role. Join your peers in exploring the latest safeguarding techniques, legal frameworks, and multi-agency collaboration strategies, ensuring every child at risk has the protection they deserve. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your expertise and make a difference in the fight against child exploitation.
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
This conference will enable you to:
Understand the scale and nature of County Lines operations and how child criminal exploitation is evolving in the UK
Recognise the impact of new technologies in facilitating County Lines operations and how these advancements make it easier for perpetrators to exploit children
Gain insights into the latest Government guidance on County Lines and child criminal exploitation, including legal frameworks and updated best practices
Identify the most vulnerable groups and risk factors for child criminal exploitation through County Lines, ensuring early identification of at-risk individuals
Develop the ability to recognise early warning signs and new behaviours that may indicate a child's involvement in County Lines activities
Understand the role of multi-agency collaboration in safeguarding children from County Lines, including how to effectively communicate and work across various services
Learn how to respond to concerns about exploitation within the regulatory framework, including knowing when and how to make referrals for further investigation or intervention
Acquire skills to provide frontline staff with adequate training on identifying the signs of child criminal exploitation and preventing it
Gain practical knowledge of addressing Home Invasion (Cuckooing) and understand the vulnerabilities of both the victim and the occupant, with strategies to improve agency responses.
Understand how to support parents and families of children who are victims of exploitation through County Lines, ensuring a holistic and trauma-informed approach to safeguarding
Explore good practices for safeguarding and enhancing the effectiveness of interventions, particularly in high-risk environments
