Child Exploitation, County Lines, Neglect and Operation Encompass

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse. When a child or young person is exploited they’re given things, like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection, in exchange for performing sexual activities. Children and young people are often tricked into believing they’re in a loving and consensual relationship. This is called grooming. They may trust their abuser and not understand that they’re being abused.

Children and young people can be trafficked into or within the UK to be sexually exploited. They’re moved around the country and abused by being forced to take part in sexual activities, often with more than one person. Young people in gangs can also be sexually exploited.

Sometimes abusers use violence and intimidation to frighten or force a child or young person, making them feel as if they’ve no choice. They may lend them large sums of money they know can’t be repaid or use financial abuse to control them.

Anybody can be a perpetrator of CSE, no matter their age, gender or race. The relationship could be framed as friendship, someone to look up to or romantic. Children and young people who are exploited may also be used to ‘find’ or coerce others to join groups.

Types of child sexual exploitation

CSE can happen in person or online. An abuser will gain a child’s trust or control them through violence or blackmail before moving onto sexually abusing them. This can happen in a short period of time.

When a child is sexually exploited online they might be persuaded or forced to:

  • send or post sexually explicit images of themselves
  • film or stream sexual activities
  • have sexual conversations.

Once an abuser has images, video or copies of conversations, they might use threats and blackmail to force a young person to take part in other sexual activity. They may also share the images and videos with others or circulate them online.

Gangs use sexual exploitation:

  • to exert power and control
  • for initiation
  • to use sexual violence as a weapon.

Children or young people might be invited to parties or gatherings with others their own age or adults and given drugs and alcohol. They may be assaulted and sexually abused by one person or multiple perpetrators. The sexual assaults and abuse can be violent, humiliating and degrading.

Signs of child sexual exploitation

Sexual exploitation can be difficult to spot and sometimes mistaken for “normal” teenage behaviour. Knowing the signs can help protect children and help them when they’ve no one else to turn to.

Signs of sexual abuse and grooming

  • Unhealthy or inappropriate sexual behaviour.

  • Being frightened of some people, places or situations.

  • Bring secretive.

  • Sharp changes in mood or character.

  • Having money or things they can’t or won’t explain.

  • Physical signs of abuse, like bruises or bleeding in their genital or anal area.

  • Alcohol or drug misuse.

  • Sexually transmitted infections.

  • Pregnancy.

Other things you might notice

  • Having an older boyfriend or girlfriend.

  • Staying out late or overnight.

  • Having a new group of friends.

  • Missing from home or care, or stopping going to school or college.

  • Hanging out with older people, other vulnerable people or in antisocial groups.

  • Involved in a gang.

  • Involved in criminal activities like selling drugs or shoplifting.

They may not know where they are, because they’ve been moved around the country, and seem frightened, confused or angry.

A child might know they’re being sexually exploited. They might be worried or confused and less likely to speak to an adult they trust. If you’re worried about a child and want to talk to them, we have advice on having difficult conversations.

If a child reveals abuse

If a child talks to you about sexual exploitation it’s important to:

  • listen carefully to what they’re saying

  • let them know they’ve done the right thing by telling you

  • tell them it’s not their fault

  • say you’ll take them seriously

  • don’t confront the alleged abuser

  • explain what you’ll do next

  • report what the child has told you as soon as possible.

County lines is a form of criminal exploitation where urban gangs use persuasion, coercion, or force to involve children and young people in storing and transporting drugs and money to suburban, market, and coastal towns. This is illegal and constitutes child abuse, affecting children and young people across the UK (Home Office, 2018).

Criminal exploitation can take multiple forms, including child sexual exploitation, trafficking, gang involvement, and knife crime. County lines gangs are highly organised networks that use sophisticated and evolving tactics to groom young people and evade law enforcement.

These perpetrators exploit children to increase profits while distancing themselves from direct involvement in drug distribution (National Crime Agency, 2019). Young people take on most of the responsibilities and risks.

Dedicated mobile phone lines, known as “deal lines,” are central to county lines operations. These are often inexpensive, disposable, and basic phones that can be changed frequently to avoid detection. The phones allow gangs to receive orders and direct young people on where to deliver drugs, whether locally or across counties.

Common phrases that young people may use to reference county lines include:

  • “running a line”

  • “going OT/out there”

  • “going country”

  • “going cunch”

These terms often refer to going out of town to deliver drugs or money (Thurrock Council, 2020).

The NSPCC has created resources to support individuals working with children in recognizing the signs of county lines exploitation and understanding protective actions to keep young people safe. Their resources cover:

  • risks linked to county lines involvement

  • identifying and responding to county lines concerns

  • prevention strategies for professionals

  • an overview of relevant legislation and guidance

For further details, visit: NSPCC – County Lines Support.

Understanding Neglect: Recognising and Responding

Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs and is one of the most common forms of child abuse. It involves situations where a child may be left hungry, unclean, or without proper clothing, shelter, supervision, or medical care. This lack of care can place children and young people in unsafe situations, with potential long-term impacts on their physical and mental wellbeing.

Types of Neglect

Neglect comes in many forms, which can make it hard to recognize. Broadly, there are four main types:

  • Physical Neglect: When a child’s basic needs—such as food, clothing, or shelter—are unmet, or they are left unsupervised or in unsafe conditions.

  • Educational Neglect: When a child does not receive proper educational support or opportunities.

  • Emotional Neglect: When a child lacks nurturing and attention, often through being ignored, humiliated, isolated, or intimidated.

  • Medical Neglect: When a child is denied essential healthcare, including dental care and other medical needs or recommendations.

Signs of Neglect

Recognising neglect can be challenging. A single sign doesn’t necessarily indicate neglect, but ongoing signs may suggest a serious concern. Children who are neglected may display:

  • Poor hygiene and appearance

  • Health and developmental issues

  • Family and housing instability

  • Behavioural changes

Effects of Neglect

Neglect can have both immediate and lasting impacts on children, including:

  • Delays in brain development

  • Increased likelihood of risky behaviours, such as running away, substance abuse, or law-breaking

  • Difficulty forming healthy relationships, including with their own children in the future

  • Greater risk of mental health issues, like depression

Risk Factors

While any child can experience neglect, some are more at risk, such as:

  • Premature babies

  • Children with disabilities or complex health needs

  • Children in care or seeking asylum

Additionally, certain challenges faced by parents or caregivers can increase the risk of neglect, such as:

  • Domestic abuse

  • Substance abuse

  • Personal history of abuse

  • Learning disabilities

  • Mental health struggles

  • Financial hardship

  • Lack of support networks

If you’re concerned about a child’s wellbeing, please reach out to report it. Every action can make a difference.

Our school is proud to participate in Operation Encompass, a partnership between Lancashire Local Authority, local schools, and Lancashire Police. Operation Encompass is designed to provide early notification to schools of any domestic violence incidents that may impact a child’s well-being in school. This information is communicated to the school through a phone call after an incident occurs.

As part of the program, at least one designated staff member, known as the ‘Key Adult,’ is specially trained to work with the police and to use this information confidentially to support affected children. At Rivington Foundation Primary, our Key Adults are Mrs. Annette and Mrs. Whittaker.

If the Key Adults receive an Encompass call, they will ensure that a trusted adult is available to support the child, if needed. In most cases, this support is discreet, with the Key Adult providing a watchful presence to help the child feel secure and maintain a positive school day. The confidential information is not typically shared with other staff, but an agreement on how best to support the child is made if required.

All schools have a responsibility to share relevant information with other agencies if a child is at risk. Our Key Adults may contact other organisations as needed, in line with our child protection policy.

This collaboration with the Police allows our school to be prepared to support your child immediately, with parents assured that the Key Adult is aware of any incidents. Parents are also welcome to speak with the Key Adults, who can guide them toward additional resources and support.

 

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