As a starting point, if a child is experiencing mental health crisis or in immediate danger this should be prioritised and appropriate support sought.

Mental health crisis – 111 option 2 / Immediate safety concerns – 999

1. Introduction

1.1 This guidance aims to support professionals in recognising if a child is at risk of or is experiencing child sexual exploitation (CSE) Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse that can affect any child, regardless of their background. It involves the manipulation or coercion of children into sexual activity. It can occur in person or via technology, and it often involves a power imbalance between the perpetrator and the victim.

1.2 The definition of child sexual exploitation most consistently relied upon by HM Government, including in Working Together to Safeguard Children, is as follows:

“Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity:

(a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or

(b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.”

(Department for Education, 2023:154–155)

CSE is not associated with a single specific criminal offence but falls under broader sexual offences legislation, such as the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

2. Recognising CSE

CSE is often a hidden harm, and children may not disclose their experiences due to fear, shame, or a lack of understanding of their exploitation. Professionals should remain vigilant and use the CSA centres Signs and Indicators Template to document and act on concerns.

Key Characteristics

  • CSE can affect any child or young person under the age of 18, including those who can legally consent to sexual activity.
  • It includes both contact and non-contact sexual activity.
  • It can involve force, enticement, or coercion and may be accompanied by violence or threats.
  • It can occur without the child’s immediate knowledge, such as through the sharing of images or videos online.
  • Perpetrators may be individuals or groups, male or female, and children or adults.
  • It is typified by a power imbalance, which may be due to age, gender, cognitive ability, physical strength, status, or access to resources.

CSE can take place in various settings, including:

  • In-person situations: This can involve direct physical contact or interactions where a child is coerced or manipulated into sexual activity.
  • Online environments: CSE can occur through social media, gaming platforms, or chat apps, where perpetrators use technology to groom and exploit children.
  • Peer-on-peer exploitation: This occurs when children or young people are pressured by others to engage in sexual activities, often within existing friendship or school groups.
  • Trafficking: Children may be trafficked for sexual exploitation, which can happen in various locations, including urban and rural areas.
  • Grooming: The process of building trust and emotional connection before introducing sexual content or contact is a common method used by perpetrators.
  • Understanding these contexts is crucial for recognizing and addressing the issue of CSE effectively.

3. Response

3.1 If there is an immediate risk to the child’s safety, the police should be contacted via 999.

If there are concerns about a child being sexually exploited, professionals should complete an Initial Harm Outside of the Home Screening Tool. If the child is open to services and already has a worker, the Screening Tool should be sent directly to the local Harm Outside of the Home group.

A SAFER referral must be made as soon as possible when any concern of Significant Harm as a consequence of child sexual exploitation becomes known.

3.2 National referral mechanism (NRM)
The NRM is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking and ensuring they receive appropriate support. If the potential victim is under 18, or may be under 18, an NRM referral must be made (children cannot be referred in using a
Duty to Notify referral). Child victims do not have to consent to be referred into the NRM Children must first be safeguarded and then referred into the NRM process.
At the same time, the child should also be referred to the Independent Child Trafficking Guardians Service. The NRM also enables the National Crime Agency, (NCA) and the Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit (MSHTU) to collate national data about the scope and nature of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK. Referrals are completed online: https://www.modernslavery.gov.uk/start
Report modern slavery – Report modern slavery – GOV.UK

3.3 The Child Sexual Abuse Response Pathway

The Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre) created an online interactive resource, the Child Sexual Abuse Response Pathway, which sets out how to respond to concerns of child sexual abuse at key points: from first concerns
and initial safeguarding actions through to child protection and criminal justice responses.

Both the Response Pathway and the supporting resources are designed for all professionals working with children. They are particularly helpful for social workers, Youth Justice Staff, teachers, police officers, health professionals and those in the
voluntary sector who work with children and families. As an interactive online resource, the Response Pathway builds on current legislation and statutory guidance and national policies and procedures, providing specific advice on responding to child sexual abuse.

Professionals can use the Response Pathway to help inform and guide the steps they take to protect and support children if they are concerned that they are being, or may have been, sexually abused. The Response Pathway sets out what you
can and should do at different points along the response and will help professionals understand the roles of other professional colleagues. If the practitioner is unsure, they should discuss the case with their safeguarding lead or within supervision.

Response Pathway Link

4. Support Services (Please note the below pathways are still currently under development)

ARCH
General Enquiry
admin@archteesside.org
Referral Enquiry
referrals@archteesside.org
E-mail Support
support@archteesside.org
General/Referral Enquiry
01642 822331

Barnardo’s Sunrise Therapy
sunrisetherapyservice@barnardos.org.uk
01642 300774

HALO
info@haloproject.org.uk
01642 683 045

5. Useful Information, Resources and links