Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It can take many different forms. It can include contact or non contact activities and can take place online or in person, or a combination of both. Any child or young person can be sexually exploited, regardless of their lived experiences. This is not gender specific and includes  boys and girls who can be abused in this way.

Sexual exploitation is defined by the Department for Education as follows:

“Exploitation occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology”. (Working Together to Safeguard Children).

Often children and young people are groomed into sexually exploitative relationships and may initially think their abuser is their 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'. Some young people are abused and exploited to exchange sex for drugs, alcohol, money or gifts. Others may have been bullied and threatened into sexual activities by peers or gangs which is then used against them as a form of extortion and to keep them compliant.

A child may have been sexually exploited before they came into your care; others may become targets of perpetrators when they are living with you. Child sexual exploitation is NEVER the child's fault all children and young people under the age of 18 have a right to be safe and protected from harm.

As a foster carer you are in a good position to notice the changes in behaviour and physical signs which can indicate involvement in sexual exploitation, harm and abuse. To keep children and young people safe and prevent serious harm, it is important to try and identify children at risk of harm from sexual exploitation at the earliest opportunity.

Children who we care for can be more vulnerable to exploitation but are not alone in this; we have many children/young people who are vulnerable those with special needs, unaccompanied asylum seeking children or any child/young person who may have lived experiences or past trauma.

It can be difficult for children to tell the adults who care for them that they are being sexually exploited; initially they may not recognise that they are being abused. Once they are being sexually exploited, threats from their abusers or feeling that they may be in some way to blame for their own abuse can make it difficult for young people to ask for help. There is a lot of research about ‘power’ and ‘blame’ which would be valuable to you as a carer to take some time to explore.

Some of the signs that a child or young person is being sexually exploited are:

• Unexplained money or gifts;
• Going missing (for short and long periods), or during the course of the school day;
• Being distressed or withdrawn on their return home;
• Secrecy around new friends;
• Having additional mobile phones, or worrying use of the internet;
• Sexual health problems, including pregnancy;
• Changes in behaviour / emotional wellbeing;
• Drug or alcohol misuse;
• Secretive behaviour;
• Involvement in criminal activity;
• Unexplained physical injuries.

When concerns about child sexual exploitation have been identified before the child comes to live with you, their Placement Plan should contain details of the day-to-day arrangements which have been agreed between you as foster carers, the child’s social worker and your fostering social worker to keep the child/young person safe. This should include a contingency/back up plan.

If you have concerns that a child/young person is being sexually exploited or is at risk of being exploited, you should always share these with the child's social worker and your fostering social worker or a manager from the Fostering Service, so that action can be taken to help safeguard the child/young person. Sexual exploitation of a child who is in our care is considered a 'significant event' and must be reported to Ofsted by the Fostering Service.

Remember if you have concerns that a child/young person is in immediate danger, always ring 999.

A significant number of children and young people who are being sexually exploited may go missing from your home, or their school / education provider. Some go missing frequently, and the more often they go missing, they more vulnerable they are to being sexually exploited.

If a child you care for goes missing, you should follow the guidance contained in Missing Children Procedure.