Economic hardship can increase vulnerability by pushing children and young people towards illegal activities as a means of survival or financial gain.

Living in areas with high crime rates

Constant exposure to criminal activity can normalise harmful behaviours and increase the likelihood of exploitation.

"I was just walking home from the shops when this car pulled up beside me. These guys got out, and they knew my name, knew where I lived, knew everything about me. They weren't shouting or anything - they were actually sound at first, asking about football and that. Then they said that they needed me to do them a favour, just a 'wee job'. The way they said it, it wasn't really a question. My stomach just dropped because I knew exactly who they were. Everyone round here knows.

They just wanted me to watch a house and text them when someone left. Paid me a few quid the day after I'd told them. I thought maybe that would be it. Next thing they wanted me to collect something, then deliver something else. I was bricking it every single time. My hands would be shaking, and I'd feel like I was gonna throw up. Every time my phone buzzed I'd panic thinking it was them with another job.

The fear was mental, but you can't say no to these people. It wasn't even threats really, just reminders that they knew everything. I felt so angry at myself for getting into it.

I stopped going out with my mates. I was fighting with everybody in the house and my ma kept asking what was wrong, but I couldn't tell her. She'd be straight to them and that would cause all sorts.

These people don't care that you're still a kid - they just see someone they can use and throw away.

The worst part was feeling totally trapped, like there was no way out. If I went to the police, I'd be a tout and that would be it for me and my family. We'd be out or battered or shot. If I kept doing what they wanted, I was ok."

A lack of legitimate pathways to success may make criminal alternatives appear more accessible or necessary.

Unstable living conditions can increase exposure to exploitative individuals and reduce access to support services.

Children and young people may feel pressure to contribute financially, making them more susceptible to offers of quick money through illegal means.

Insufficient guidance, emotional support, or inconsistent boundaries at home can leave children or young people more susceptible to negative influences and exploitation.

Witnessing or experiencing trauma within the home environment can lead to emotional vulnerabilities that may be exploited by others.

Familiarity with criminal lifestyles can normalise harmful behaviours, increasing the likelihood of young people being drawn into similar activities. (See case study 1)

Physical or mental health challenges may reduce a parent’s capacity to provide consistent care, supervision, and emotional support, making children and young people vulnerable to exploitation.

Disguised compliance by family or minimisation of risks. Poor parental engagement with professionals. Limited encouragement or support for education, often due to financial pressures or caring responsibilities, can reduce children or young people’s opportunities and increase risk.

Insecure housing, overcrowding, or poor living conditions can heighten children and young people’s vulnerability to manipulation and coercion, particularly when basic needs are unmet.

Disruption in caregiving arrangements can lead to emotional instability and increased exposure to risk.

For children and young people in care or informal arrangements, instability can reduce trust and increase susceptibility to exploitation.

Feelings of inadequacy or low self-worth may make children and young people more susceptible to manipulation, particularly when they are seeking validation, belonging, or a sense of purpose.

Past experiences of trauma, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can create emotional vulnerabilities that may be exploited by others.

Children and young people with additional needs may face barriers in recognising risk, understanding intent, or seeking help. These factors can increase vulnerability to exploitation, especially when appropriate support is lacking. It is essential that practitioners approach these issues with a strengths-based, non-blaming perspective.

Children and young people who use drugs or alcohol may be more easily controlled or coerced by perpetrators, particularly when dependency is used as a tool for manipulation.

Withdrawal from normal/social activities such as youth club. Children and young people who feel disconnected or unsupported may be more likely to seek belonging in unsafe environments.

Bereavement or unresolved emotional pain can increase vulnerability to exploitation, especially when children or young people are seeking comfort or escape.

Involvement with peers or gang members who engage in criminal behaviour can normalise harmful actions and create pressure to participate. Association with a new peer group.

The absence of supportive relationships or guidance can leave children and young people more susceptible to negative influences seeking to fill that void.

Spotting the signs is good. Especially if you notice something off about a friend. But, what do we do with that? Who do we go to about that? If we think it's happening to a friend will they get into trouble? Because, what they're doing is illegal.

Perpetrators may manipulate by offering false promises of acceptance, recognition, or financial gain.

Experiences of exclusion or victimisation can increase vulnerability to exploitation, especially when children and young people seek belonging in unsafe peer groups.

Exposure to harmful content or peer dynamics online can reinforce risky behaviours and increase susceptibility to exploitation.

Disengagement from education can lead to feelings of hopelessness about future prospects, increasing susceptibility to exploitation.

Removal from structured educational environments can isolate children and young people and increase exposure to negative influences.

Factors such as limited family support, caring responsibilities, or unmet additional needs can hinder educational participation and increase vulnerability to exploitation.

When children or young people do not receive appropriate support for their learning or cognitive needs, they may feel misunderstood or isolated, which can increase their susceptibility to manipulation and exploitation.

These can lead to disengagement and push children and young people toward alternative peer groups or environments that pose greater risks.

Children and young people who do not thrive in mainstream education may be left without meaningful opportunities to develop their potential, access qualifications, or transition successfully into further education, training, or employment.

Without appropriate guidance or supervision, children and young people may be exposed to harmful content, individuals, or platforms that increase their risk of exploitation

Perpetrators increasingly use social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps to identify, befriend, and manipulate children and young people who are vulnerable to exploitation.

Activities such as sharing personal information or exchanging images, interacting with strangers, or participating in unsafe online communities can increase susceptibility to exploitation.

Children and young people who lack understanding of online safety may be less able to recognise manipulation or protect themselves.

Children and young people who feel disconnected offline may turn to online spaces for connection, making them more vulnerable to exploiters who offer attention or affirmation.

Without professional guidance or resources, children and young people may struggle to resist criminal influences or access help when needed.

A lack of constructive outlets for energy and creativity can lead to boredom and increased susceptibility to negative peer groups or perpetrators.

When early warning signs are missed or not addressed, a child or young person’s vulnerability to exploitation can escalate.

Children and young people without a supportive network of peers, family, or trusted adults may feel disconnected and more vulnerable to manipulation and coercion.

Children and young people from minority or migrant backgrounds may face additional barriers to accessing support, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.

Gaps in multi-agency coordination can result in missed opportunities for early intervention and safeguarding.

Experiences of exclusion or prejudice can create emotional vulnerabilities that perpetrators may exploit by offering false promises of acceptance and belonging. They may be unclear of how to explore cultural/sexual identity safely.

Difficulties adapting to a new culture, or facing negative societal attitudes toward immigration can lead to isolation and increased susceptibility to exploitation.

Uncertainty about one’s place in society can make children and young people more vulnerable to individuals or groups offering a sense of identity, purpose, or community.

Limited ability to communicate effectively can hinder access to support, reduce understanding of rights, and make it harder for children and young people to recognise or report exploitative situations.

When support services do not reflect or respect children and young people’s cultural and social identity, engagement may be reduced, leaving them without vital protection and guidance.

Differences in cultural values or expectations between children and young people and their families can lead to misunderstanding and emotional disconnection, increasing vulnerability.

Fear of judgement or shame may prevent children and young people from seeking help, especially in tightly knit or traditional communities.

Growing up in environments where intimidation, manipulation, and violence are prevalent can lead children and young people to view these behaviours as acceptable or unavoidable, increasing susceptibility to exploitation or involvement in similar activities.

Coercive environments often involve deliberate isolation from friends, family, and community resources, leaving children and young people without protective relationships or access to help.

Constant exposure to coercive control and threat can result in significant psychological stress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. These challenges may impair a child or young person’s ability to make safe decisions or recognise exploitative situations.

In areas influenced or controlled by paramilitary or criminal groups, children and young people may be coerced into illegal activities to support themselves or their families. The absence of legitimate economic opportunities can make these offers appear to be the only viable option.

Children and young people may feel unable to refuse pressure imposed on them to conform to community norms due to fear of retaliation.

Children and young people raised in families or communities with historical ties to paramilitary groups may be more vulnerable to exploitation.

In some communities, a culture of self-policing discourages engagement with the PSNI. Children and young people growing up in these environments may fear or distrust the police and lack understanding of their role, creating barriers to disclosure and increasing vulnerability to exploitation.