Over 200 children at risk of, or victims of, Child Criminal Exploitation were supported last year by the Catch22 service, commissioned by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office.
A further 169 parents and carers also received support, and 700 professionals were given the tools and training to support a child they already had meaningful relationships with. 97% of the children supported were at less risk of being exploited following Catch22’s intervention, and had a greater awareness of issues relating to Child Criminal Exploitation.
Child Criminal Exploitation is a complex and serious threat to children’s safety and is the coercion of children into criminal activity, such as ‘County Lines’ drug dealing.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Catch22 provide support to children and their families during crucial times in their lives. Child Criminal Exploitation affects the most vulnerable, which is why it’s important that we continue to protect them from harm.
“I am pleased to see so many children, parents and carers, and professionals supported by Catch22 through their expert knowledge in tackling exploitation.”
Catch22 worked with Joel*, a 15-year-old boy referred to the service after being arrested. During their initial conversation with Joel, they found he was at significant risk of exploitation and had previously been arrested for similar County Lines-related offences.
Joel was allocated a Catch22 case worker and although he was a little guarded at first, he engaged well and said he wanted to continue receiving support. Over the space of a few weeks, his case worker built a positive working relationship with Joel, who began to have open and honest conversations.
Catch22 spent a considerable amount of time working with Joel and talking to him about signs of exploitation, grooming tactics, impact and implications, County Lines and positive relationships.
Following his work with Catch22, Joel started to attend education more regularly and planned to start paid work after leaving education. He now has a better understanding of Child Criminal Exploitation and as a result, can better identify if he, or his peers, are at risk of being exploited.
Catch22 Service Manager for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, Nigel Sargeant said: “Our approach is all about building trust with the young people we work with. Often, we meet young people when they’re at their most vulnerable – so being there to listen, to practically help them escape the cycle of exploitation and to work with their families – is absolutely vital.
“Success stories like Joel’s are a testament to why services like Catch22 are so important and why every young person needs the right support around them.”
For more information about Catch22, visit: Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Child Criminal Exploitation | Catch22
*Joel’s name has been changed to protect his identity.
