UK safeguarding
Child criminal exploitation (CCE)
Where children are coerced, controlled, or manipulated into criminal activity, including drug supply (county lines), theft, or violence.
In plain English
Where children are coerced, controlled, or manipulated into criminal activity, including drug supply (county lines), theft, or violence.
Why it matters
Children involved in crime through CCE are victims under UK guidance. Recognising exploitation, rather than treating the child only as an offender, is central to how police and social care respond. The National Referral Mechanism may apply.
Related
Reporting routes
Sources
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17