CSE – resources for families & the community

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse in which children are sexually exploited for money, power or status.

Children or young people may be tricked into believing they’re in a loving, consensual relationship. They might be invited to parties and given drugs and alcohol. They may also be groomed online.

Some children and young people are trafficked into or within the UK for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation can also happen to young people in gangs.

Greater Manchester partners have joined forces to tackle CSE with the It’s not okay campaign – the website contains information for the parents and the public and can be found at  www.itsnotokay.co.uk

The campaign aims to educate people on the signs that someone is being exploited, and increase the number of cases that are reported.

The website contains links and information about all of the agencies taking part, and explains how to access help and support, as well as where to report CSE concerns.

The organisations will also be using social media to target young people directly, to help them recognise the signs that their friends, or indeed themselves, may be being exploited.

Information for businesses
For information about how businesses, hotels and other licensed premises can help tackle CSE go to our licensing resources.

Resources for Parents and Carers
Barnardo’s – Spot the signs
Barnardo’s have published a set of advice leaflets ‘Spot the signs’ for parents and young people which are available on their website www.barnardos.org.uk

Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (Pace)
Parents Against Child Sexual Exploitation (Pace) work alongside parents and carers whose children are or are at risk of being sexually exploited by perpetrators external to the family. They also offer guidance and training to professionals on how child sexual exploitation affects the whole family. View their website to read more  www.paceuk.info

The ‘Keeping it together’ parent’s guide to coping with CSE and other resources to share with parents can be found on their website paceuk.info/for-parents/advice-centre/

Their relational safeguarding model demonstrates best practice in working with families affected by CSE and is also available at www.paceuk.info

Training for Parents/Carers
Pace, in partnership with Virtual College, has launched an interactive online information package for parents on the signs of child sexual exploitation. This free tool is designed to equip parents with the information and knowledge to safeguard children from this abuse – go to the Pace website paceuk.info to access the tool.

CEOP Thinkuknow programme
‘The Parents’ and Carers’ Guide to the Internet’, has been created by CEOP to provide a light-hearted and realistic look at what it takes to be a better online parent. The site also age specific advice for parents and carers of primary and secondary school age children. Read more on their website www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/

Children’s Society
Lots of good advice on keeping the children you love safe – read more on their website www.childrenssociety.org.uk/

Parents Protect
Links to sources of help, advice and support available to people with concerns about child sexual abuse. The links are to some of the organisations and agencies you can contact for information and are continually updated. Find out more on their website www.parentsprotect.co.uk/

Stop it now!
Stop it Now! UK and Ireland is a useful website for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse. The Stop it Now! campaign operates a confidential freephone helpline for any adult with concerns, including those worried about the sexual behaviour of another adult towards children, those worried about their own thoughts or behaviour towards children and those concerned about the worrying sexual behaviour of a child or young person.  Call their helpline on tele: 0808 100 900 or email at help@stopitnow.org.uk  or go to their website www.stopitnow.org.uk to find out more.

Parentline Plus
Parentline Plus is a national charity that works for, and with, parents. It works to offer help and support through an innovative range of free, flexible, responsive services – shaped by parents for parents. Go to their website www.parentlineplus.org.uk to find out more or call their helpline on tele: 0808 800 2222

NSPCC
The NSPCC is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to stopping child abuse. You can call their child protection helpline on tele: 0808 800 5000 or contact them via email at help@nspcc.org.uk  or visit their website www.nspcc.org.uk

The Home Office Disclosure Scheme
If you are worried about someone in your child’s life, you can get them checked by the police to see if they have a record of child sexual offences. Find out what you need to do to get someone checked.