Exploited to exploiter? Preventing the unjust criminalisation of victims of child criminal exploitation in the transition to adulthood
This is the third in a series of three policy briefings on critical issues faced by young people in contact with the justice system as they transition to adulthood, as part of a project funded by the Barrow Cadbury Trust. The briefing examines how current policy and practice in response to child criminal exploitation across safeguarding services, police, prosecutors, and courts is leaving young adults vulnerable to continued exploitation and criminalisation.
The briefing draws from an evidence review; a consultation session bringing together professionals from the youth and adult criminal justice sector, voluntary and community sector, legal practitioners, and academia. It also draws from meetings and interviews with practitioners, subject matter experts, and civil servants.
It sets out ten key characteristics for an effective response that protects, rather than punishes, criminally exploited young adults and makes detailed recommendations to make this a reality.
Read the full briefing: Exploited to exploiter?