CYP Now - Project helps Essex young people vulnerable to exploitation

Service supports young people to reduce risk-taking behaviour that makes them vulnerable to sexual exploitation.

One-to-one support sessions with at-risk young people cover safety, grooming aspects, exploitation and healthy relationships. Picture: The Children's Society

More than eight out of 10 young people worked with report an improvement in their situation

ACTION

For vulnerable young people in Essex at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE), the Children at Risk of Exploitation (CARE) service can represent the “last line of support” after they have spurned offers of help from statutory agencies.

“We work with those that don’t or can’t work with statutory services,” explains Leanne Fuller, CARE service manager.

“Social care might have a young person they are working with but in terms of exploitation, they won’t talk to them for fear of criminalising themselves or others.

“It could also be due to a sense of shame or guilt or the fact they don’t recognise themselves [as] a victim.”

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