Child Exploitation JSNA

What needs are unmet?

Strategic Issue 1 

Despite efforts to tackle child criminal exploitation there is increasing prevalence of children being used in criminal activities

Strategic Issue 2

  • Lack of Coordinated Data and Intelligence Sharing
    • Fragmented data systems: Despite frameworks like the Harm Outside the Home (HOTH) model and Operation Artemis, there is no unified data platform across agencies (e.g. police, health, education, social care).
    • Limited interoperability: Agencies often use incompatible systems, hindering real-time intelligence sharing.
    • Inconsistent recording practices: Disruption orders, exploitation indicators, and safeguarding concerns are not always logged in a standardised way.
    • Underutilisation of predictive analytics: There is little evidence of using data to proactively identify at-risk children or hotspots.
  • Gaps in Community Awareness and Professional Training
    • Training not reaching all frontline staff: While programmes like TCE and Operation Artemis offer training, uptake is uneven across sectors (e.g. housing, transport, youth services).
    • Limited public engagement: Campaigns like #LookCloser are impactful but not consistently embedded in local community strategies.
    • Stigma and misunderstanding: Boys, LGBTQ+ youth, and ethnic minorities are still under-identified due to stereotypes and lack of inclusive safeguarding training.
    • Lack of trauma-informed practice: Many professionals lack training in recognising trauma responses linked to exploitation.

Strategic Issue 3

High-Risk Groups Not Being Reached Effectively

  • Underrepresentation in services: Trans, non-binary, SEND, and Gypsy/Roma/Traveller children are less likely to be referred or supported.
  • Barriers to disclosure: Fear of criminalisation, distrust of institutions, and lack of culturally competent services prevent many young people from seeking help.
  • Inadequate outreach: Services often rely on referrals rather than proactive engagement in schools, youth clubs, or online spaces.
  • Limited peer-led or survivor-informed models: Few interventions are co-designed with young people who have lived experience of exploitation.