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Chair's Introduction
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As Chair of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland, I am delighted to present this guidance on Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) for practitioners. This document is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people across Northern Ireland. CCE is a grave concern that demands our collective vigilance and proactive intervention. It is imperative that we, as a community of practitioners, work together to protect our most vulnerable members from the insidious threats posed by child criminal exploitation.
Child criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse where individuals or groups take advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate, or deceive children and young people into criminal activities. This exploitation can manifest in various forms, including drug trafficking, theft, violence, and other illegal activities. The impact on the victim is profound, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
In addressing this issue, our approach is anchored in the principles of safe practice and trauma-informed care. Safe practice involves creating environments where children feel secure and protected. It requires robust policies, procedures, and training to ensure that all professionals are equipped to identify and respond to signs of exploitation effectively. Our goal is to foster a culture of safety where the welfare of children is paramount, and every action taken is in their best interest.
Children and young people affected by criminal exploitation often experience trauma, coercion, and harm. This guidance uses a trauma-informed, rights based and gender -conscious approach, recognising how adversity impacts behaviour and development. It emphasises trauma’s effects, identifying signs, and responding with care that fosters healing and resilience. Creating a safe, supportive environment helps children feel heard, valued, and empowered. It also acknowledges that boys, girls, and LGBTQ+ youth may experience exploitation differently and need tailored, compassionate support that upholds their dignity and rights.
The development of the guidance reflects our shared commitment to protecting children and young people. It provides practical tools, resources, and strategies to help practitioners navigate the complexities of child criminal exploitation. This guidance has been developed with member and partner agencies of the SBNI. It has been informed by stakeholder engagement events and workshops, and most importantly, shaped by the voices of children and young people. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected and work towards a safer, more supportive Northern Ireland for all children and young people.
Acknowledgements
We wish to acknowledge the cross‑departmental commitment that enabled the development of this Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) Practitioner Guidance. The creation of this guidance fulfils a key action within the Child Criminal Exploitation Action Plan and demonstrates the shared priority across government to strengthen prevention, protection, and disruption responses to CCE.
The Children and Young People’s Strategy Child Protection Group provided cross-departmental oversight throughout the development process, ensuring alignment with wider child protection policy frameworks and coherence across workstreams.
We also acknowledge the significant contributions of the Departments of Health, Justice and Education. In particular, the Department of Justice led on the disruption chapter, highlighting the importance of addressing child exploitation through both safeguarding and enforcement measures.
Finally, we recognise the vital role of the Executive Programme on Paramilitarism and Organised Crime (EPPOC), whose partnership with the Departments supported the development of this guidance. Their collaborative approach reflects the cross‑government commitment to protecting children, disrupting exploitation, and challenging the structures and networks that enable harm.
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