Gangs

In light of the growing concern about drugs gangs operating in Essex, including the issue around ‘county lines’, Essex Safeguarding Children’s Board (ESCB) have updated their Parents/Carers pages, to provide information on signs to look out for and how to support young people.  This section of the ESCB also contains a lot of other useful safeguarding information for parents/carers.

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Further useful information about Drugs/Gangs/County Lines:
https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-is-county-lines
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_lines_(drug_trafficking)

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Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child Sexual Exploitation or CSE is a growing problem in society today and can affect both girls and boys.   It is essential that we all work together to protect our young people.   CSE has many different models and can affect children of primary and secondary school age, both online and in person.   Please take some time to follow the link below and complete a short online learning course (approx 20 minutes) to ensure you understand what CSE is, how to spot warning signs in your children, and how to report it.

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http://www.safeguardingchildrenea.co.uk/safeguarding-news/keep-them-safe/

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From Essex Police

Dear Parent/Carer,

Sexual and criminal exploitation of children – will you spot the signs?
The exploitation of children is, sadly, a growing problem and has a devastating impact on those directly affected and their families. It happens, and it happens here, in Essex. This is not just involving older children, even primary age children are being drawn into exploitation. It is never too soon for our children to learn how to keep themselves safe.
Essex Police is working hard to tackle these awful crimes but we cannot do it alone. As a parent or carer with responsibility for a child I am asking for your help. Please be aware of the warning signs together with the help and advice available to you.

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Exploitation – what is it?
Sexual exploitation involves a child being manipulated, forced or deceived into sexual activity often for financial gain or to build status or control.
Criminal exploitation involves a child being coerced to commit criminal activity. This is often associated with gangs and the selling of illegal drugs.

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The warning signs
• Is your child regularly going missing, coming home late or persistently absent from school?
• Do they have new or older friends different to their normal social group?
• Do they have money, expensive-looking clothes or a new phone you didn’t buy for them?
• Are they being secretive when using their phone or the internet or perhaps making / receiving lots of calls and texts?
• Has their mood changed or have they become withdrawn or aggressive?
• Are they harming themselves or displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour?

These are indicators. They do not always mean a child is being exploited, but, please see them as a potential ‘warning sign’.