Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

What is Child Criminal Exploitation?

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is a form of child abuse. It occurs when a young person is coerced, forced or manipulated into committing a crime. 

CCE can occur even without any physical contact, it can also occur online and through the use of technology.  

CCE takes many forms. The most well documented is County Lines, but victims of CCE may also be forced to shoplift, to work on cannabis farms, to launder money or to threaten other individuals. 

Child criminal exploitation is never the fault of the child or young person. 

Signs that a young person may be being exploited include:

• Changes in behaviour
• Frequently missing from home, care or education
• Unexplained money, gifts or new possessions
• Unexplained injuries
• Carrying weapons
• Getting involved in fights
• Committing crimes, such as shoplifting.

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