Exploitation
There are various types of exploitation which a child or young person can be exposed to. They are:
- criminal exploitation, gangs and county lines
- child sexual exploitation
- child trafficking and modern slavery.
Exploitation toolkit
Kent and Medway, with partner agencies, have worked together to produce a child exploitation identification tool. The tool is designed to assist practitioners in identifying whether a child may be experiencing or be vulnerable to exploitation.
Kent and Medway Child Exploitation Identification Tool (DOCX, 124.8 KB)
KCC Exploitation Tools
An exploitation assessment and planning tool is now available via EHM/Liberi/Core+ and can be used by all KCC CYPE staff.
View practice guidance for child exploitation tools (DOCX, 142.0 KB)
View child exploitation and safeguarding framework diagram (PDF, 180.9 KB)
Child Exploitation intelligence form
This portal is no longer available to submit intelligence/information. Should you wish to report a crime please use 101 or Report a crime | Kent Police. If a child is at immediate risk of harm, please use 999.
For any other information or intelligence submissions please use Contact us about something else | Kent Police
Wherever a safeguarding concern is present please also ensure you follow guidance; Kent - Worried about a child - Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership
It remains vital for partners to share information about those vulnerable to child exploitation, as well as those who may be seeking to exploit a child, with Kent Police at the earliest opportunity. Sharing this information could prevent a child from coming to harm, or from experiencing ongoing harm.
There are many potential criminal offences associated with child exploitation including but not limited to:
Child abduction, abduction of children in care, human trafficking, arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offence, meeting a child following sexual grooming, paying for sexual services of a child, causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, controlling a child in relation to sexual exploitation, arranging or facilitating the sexual exploitation of a child. New offences are anticipated later in 2025 relating to broader exploitation including criminal exploitation.
Kent Police continue to explore a bespoke provision, and changes / updates will be communicated through this page.
If you have a safeguarding concern, see 'Kent Support Level Guidance'. Remember, your concerns must be discussed with your safeguarding lead and the appropriate Request for Support made.
Leaflets
View guide to knife harm for parents and carers leaflet (PDF, 835.5 KB)