Public Prosecution Service (PPS)
Key Focus: Providing pre-charge advice, applying the two-stage prosecution test, diverting victims where appropriate the prosecution of perpetrators, and recognition of the impact upon victims of CCE. Supporting victims in a trauma informed manner to remain within the criminal justice system and provide their best evidence to the court.
The PPS plays a critical role in the criminal justice response to CCE by providing pre-charge advice, analysing evidence submitted by investigative agencies, applying the two-stage prosecution test, taking prosecution decisions, and presenting cases in court. Their work ensures that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims are supported through the legal process. The PPS operates independently but works closely with PSNI and other safeguarding partners to ensure that cases involving CCE are handled with sensitivity and fairness.
The PPS also contributes to shaping legal understanding and awareness of CCE, ensuring that children and young people are recognised as victims of abuse, and that prosecution decisions reflect the complexity of exploitation dynamics.
This role supports the wider safeguarding and justice process, where PPS become aware of CCE, or possible CCE, which has not been highlighted by other partners, PPS will inform the PSNI Investigating Officer in the case as appropriate. PPS understanding and awareness of CCE informs its decision making, communications with criminal justice partners and trauma informed support of victims and witnesses.
Lead or primary role
Disruption of Exploitation
PPS Provide pre-charge advice, apply the two-stage prosecution test and build strong prosecutions of perpetrators, which the PPS prosecute before the court. The PPS is central to disrupting exploitation networks and sends a clear message that child criminal exploitation will not be tolerated. Where necessary PPS build evidence led prosecutions when a victim cannot or is unable to support a prosecution and the evidential and public interest test are met.
Significant input or role
Early Identification and Assessment
While not a frontline agency for identification, the PPS contributes by recognising indicators of exploitation, provides pre-charge advice to police, applying the two-stage prosecution test, diverting matters where appropriate, and prosecuting before the courts. PPS support the use of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) where relevant in identifying victims to ensure victims who have been exploited are not unnecessarily criminalised.
Safeguarding Structures and Thresholds
Plays a significant role in ensuring that the rights and welfare of child victims are considered throughout the process through trauma-informed and child-centred legal proceedings. Safeguarding considerations are an important consideration in all decisions and will be considered carefully when applying the two-stage prosecution test. The vulnerability of children and young people who have been exploited will in all cases be considered in line with the Best Interests of the Child Principle, as set out in Article 3(1) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Work closely with PSNI, and other investigative bodies, within the wider criminal justice system to build strong prosecutions against perpetrators and to ensure a coordinated approach to prosecution and safeguarding. This includes contributing to policy development, and providing signposting to victims and those at risk of CCE to the help available from other partners. Working with Young Witness Service, Victim and Witness Care Unit and Victim Support to ensure that victims are supported and informed and their needs within the criminal justice system addressed.
Coordination of Information and Response
Ensures that legal responses are informed by the evidence, law and legal guidance and prosecutorial standards. The PPS works with other criminal justice partners to ensure that victims are supported throughout the criminal justice system. Victims are kept informed throughout consideration and prosecution of criminal offences arising from investigatory files. In all relevant communications the complexity of CCE is reflected and the need for a robust coordinated response emphasised.
Supporting role
Early Preventative Work
PPS has a role to educate and raise awareness of its staff.