CYP Now - Vulnerable children 'consistently failed' by county lines response, charity warns

Too many children vulnerable to exploitation by county lines gangs are being let down by frontline services that consistently fail to identify young people at risk, a charity has warned.

A lack of youth services means young people are not diverted away from crime, the report says. Picture: Adobe Stock

In its response to a report on progress made by police and the National Crime Agency (NCA) in tackling county lines at local, regional and national levels, The Children’s Society said young people were still being failed by services designed to protect them.

Crucial information that could also prevent young people from becoming victims of child criminal exploitation was also not being shared, the charity said.

The report, Both Sides of the Coin; The Police and National Crime Agency’s Response to Vulnerable People in ‘County Lines’ Drug Offending, was published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

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