Child Criminal Exploitation
Child Criminal Exploitation is a child protection issue causing significant harm and should always trigger child protection processes.
The criminal exploitation of children is defined in Scotland’s National Child Protection Guidance for Scotland as:
“The action of an individual or group using an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into any criminal activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, or for the financial or other advantage of the perpetrator or facilitator. Violence or the threat of violence may feature. The victim may have been criminally exploited, even if the activity appears consensual. Child criminal exploitation may involve physical contact and may also occur through the use of technology. It may involve gangs and organised criminal networks. Sale of illegal drugs may be a feature. Children and vulnerable adults may be exploited to move and store drugs and money. Coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual violence) and weapons may be involved.”
Criminal exploitation takes a variety of forms but always involves the exploitation of an individual to engage in criminal activity for the benefit of the exploiter. It often involves some form of exchange where a victim is asked or told to do something in exchange for something they want or need. It is irrelevant whether the person consents to any part of the relevant action therefore a person receiving something in exchange for their involvement does not mean that they are not a victim of exploitation (Scottish Government).
Key resources
Understanding Child Criminal Exploitation in Scotland: A scoping review
Protecting children from child criminal exploitation
Shattered Lives, Stolen Futures: The Jay Review of Criminally Exploited Children
The Criminal Exploitation of Children: Scotland's Framework for Practice
