Recognising signs of CCE

• Sudden acquisition of expensive items (e.g., new phones, designer clothes)
• Unexplained cash or bank deposits
• Possession of multiple phones or SIM cards

• Unexplained injuries or signs of physical assault
• Signs of drug or alcohol use, including intoxication or withdrawal symptoms
• Displaying signs of fear, trauma, or hypervigilance
• Unusual tiredness or falling asleep at inappropriate times (e.g., during school or appointments)
• Sudden changes in appearance, such as dressing differently, adopting a new hairstyle, or wearing clothing associated with gang or group identity
• Poor hygiene or signs of neglect, which may indicate lack of access to basic care or being kept in unsafe environments, potentially the victim of trafficking
• Frequent visits to health services for injuries or infections, especially if explanations are vague or inconsistent
• Physical symptoms of stress or anxiety, such as headaches, stomach aches, or panic attacks

• Suddenly going missing from home or care, or regularly returning home late without plausible explanation
• Skipping school or a sudden decline in school attendance or engagement
• Staying out unusually late or overnight with no plausible explanation, or found in areas far from home
• Sudden change in friendship groups, particularly associating with older individuals known to the police or social services
• Involvement in offending behaviour, including low-level crime or anti­social activity
• Secretive behaviour about whereabouts or activities, or relationships
• Leaving home in the middle of the night without explanation
• Unusual travel arrangements, including being picked up by private cars in the early morning and left off late at night, alone or in a group.
• Becoming isolated from family, school, or support networks
• Expressing a false sense of loyalty or belonging, believing they are part of a group or “family”, which may reduce their likelihood of seeking help
• Reluctance to engage with practitioners or fear of speaking out for fear of threats, intimidation, or fear of retaliation
• Involvement in civil unrest or public disorder, potentially used to distract police from other criminal activity

• Use of new slang terms, especially related to criminal activities
• Talking about activities or places that seem unusual for their age group
• Reluctance or fear about answering phone calls in front of others
• Receiving an excessive number of calls or text messages

• Sudden mood swings or emotional volatility
• Increased aggression or violent behaviour
• Signs of fear, anxiety, or paranoia, especially around certain individuals or in certain areas
• Withdrawn behaviour or appearing 'zoned out'

• Sudden increase in time spent online or on specific apps
• Evidence of online communication with unknown adults
• Secretive behaviour around online activities or devices

• Unexplained transactions on bank cards
• Possession of multiple bank cards, especially in different names
• Reluctance to explain source of money or gifts

• Knowledge of specific areas or cities they haven't previously visited
• Travelling alone to unfamiliar areas
• Using taxis or ride-sharing services excessively or unusually
• Children and young people who have been trafficked or enslaved may have restricted freedom of movement, have no documents or ID, avoid interactions with other people

• Found in areas known for criminal activities, drug dealing, or CCE.
• Arrested or stopped by police in company of known perpetrators
• Carrying weapons or items that could be used as weapons

• Having an older 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend' who seems controlling
• Sudden hostility towards family members or trusted adults
• Forming relationships with concerning individuals, especially adults
• Friends becoming concerned about their whereabouts
• Family involvement in crime, children whose caregivers are involved in criminality are at higher risk
• May have no access to their parents or guardians. They may look frightened and behave in a way that is not normal for children and young people of their age. They may have relationships that don’t seem right.

• Sudden drop in performance or engagement
• Conflict with teachers or employers
• Conflict with peers or other students
• Truancy or unexplained absences

• Talking about owing money or being in debt
• Mentioning activities that sound risky or illegal
• Expressing fear about consequences of certain actions
• Bragging about activities
• Threatening others
• Is mentioned frequently by other ‘at risk’ children and young people
• Use of language or behaviour associated with gangs or paramilitary groups e.g., “punishments,” “loyalty,” or “orders”

In disadvantaged areas there can be more risk, as people can feel the police are not trusted and rely on paramilitaries to keep their communities safe

Remember: These signs should be considered in the context of the child or young person’s overall situation. A combination of several signs is more concerning than a single indicator. Always prioritise the safety and well-being of the child or young person when investigating potential CCE.

In addition to abuse by adults, you should also consider whether the child or young person may be a victim of child-on-child abuse.