We raise awareness of how children can be criminally exploited. We also educate and support children and young people.
Our service is available through school referrals only.
We support:
- primary and secondary school children aged 9 to 16
- children and young people with SEND up to the age of 25
We work with groups of children and young people who are vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
If you work in a school, you can refer a young person to us.
Who our service helps
We divert vulnerable children and young people away from criminal exploitation before it happens.
Exploitation can take many forms. It can involve coercion, control, manipulation or deception. It can include any kind of crime, including:
- theft
- drug dealing
- storing weapons
Exploitation can happen in person or online.
Some factors can make children and young people more vulnerable to this form of abuse, but the signs are not always easy to spot.
Early warning signs
Signs to look out for include:
- a change in their behaviour, especially if they are more secretive than usual
- missing school without explanation
- a change in their friendship group
Remember - you don't need evidence that a child or young person is experiencing criminal exploitation. Our service is here to help stop it happening before it begins.
How our service works
Once we have gathered information about a child’s risk and level of vulnerability, we will work with their school to understand what support they need.
If the service is right for them, we will create a skills and support plan. The plan will prioritise:
- building a relationship with the child or young person
- reducing risk
- safeguarding
- planning for the future
- successfully supporting the child or young person to move on from our service
Support takes place through small, tailored group-work sessions. These sessions explain how exploitation can happen and give children and young people the tools to build their awareness and get support.
Topics covered in sessions
Sessions could include:
- relationships
- knife crime
- decision-making
- grooming
- online safety
- emotional regulation
- aspirations
How to refer a child or young person
You will need to complete the online referral form.
As part of the referral process, you will need to complete a screening tool for the child or young person. Links to the screening tools are available on the referral form.
Make sure you choose the correct screening tool for your area:
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Staffordshire
We will use our referral pathway to make an assessment. The referral pathway is also available through the referral form.
What happens next
- Refer the child or young person using the online form.
- Complete the correct screening tool for your area.
- Wait for us to contact you. We should contact you within two working days of receiving your referral.
Help with a referral
If you need help with a referral, are worried about a young person, or would like more information you can email us.
