Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Criminal exploitation is child abuse where children and young people are manipulated and coerced into committing crimes.  It takes place when an individual or group uses an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child into carrying out criminal activity. This may be for a reward or due to a threat of violence. The child may be criminally exploited even if the activity appears to be consensual. 

Children and young people involved with gangs and criminal exploitation need help and support. They might be victims of violence or pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They might be abused, exploited and put into dangerous situations.