Safeguarding & Child Protection
Child Criminal Exploitation (County Lines)
Child criminal exploitation is a form of child abuse that reaches into children's homes through county lines drug networks, gang recruitment and modern slavery. This course explains how children are groomed and coerced into offending, what the recognised warning signs look like in a residential setting, and the steps to take when you suspect a child is being exploited.
Real case studies show how quickly involvement escalates and how easily it is mistaken for wilful bad behaviour.
At a glance
What this course covers
- Define child criminal exploitation and county lines, and explain how they connect to gang activity, trafficking and modern slavery.
- Describe how children and young people are recruited and the stages of grooming that follow.
- Identify the risk factors, signs and indicators that suggest a child may be criminally exploited.
- Take the correct action when exploitation is suspected, including recording, escalation and referral.
Who it is for
Residential support workers, senior support workers, team leaders and Registered Managers working in children's homes.
How it works in Nest Learn
Strengthen safeguarding practice across every Home
This course is included with over 30 others. Learning Paths assign it, the Training Matrix tracks it, and completion records keep the evidence.