Name: _________________________________________
Date: _________________
Year Group: _________
📊 Key Facts
- The UK drug market is estimated to be worth £9.4bn annually — county lines is a central delivery mechanism
- The NCA identified over 2,000 active county lines in its 2024 threat assessment
- Referrals to the National Referral Mechanism for child trafficking increased 28% in 2024
- The average age of first involvement is now 13.8 years
- Up to 15,000 children are estimated to be involved in county lines exploitation in England alone
- 87% of identified victims were male, though female victimisation is significantly under-reported
⚖️ The Law
- Modern Slavery Act 2015 — trafficking, exploitation, forced labour: maximum life sentence
- Section 45 Modern Slavery Act — statutory defence for victims who commit offences under coercion
- Serious Violence Duty (PCSC Act 2022) — requires multi-agency collaboration on county lines
- Contextual Safeguarding Framework — recognises exploitation in community contexts, not just homes
- Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) — Home Office definition and operational guidance
- Mandatory Reporting Duty (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2024) — implications for education staff
✏️ Think About It: Scenarios
Scenario 1: A friend tells you something worrying about county lines. What do you do?
Scenario 2: You see something related to county lines that concerns you. What are your options?
Scenario 3: Someone you know seems to be in a situation involving county lines. How do you respond?
💡 Key Messages
- County lines is organised crime using children as disposable labour — it is not a subculture or lifestyle
- Victims often do not see themselves as victims — trauma-informed approaches are essential
- Every professional who works with young people has a statutory or professional duty to identify and refer
- The Modern Slavery Act provides significant legal protection for exploited children who commit offences
- Prevention is more effective than enforcement — but requires genuine multi-agency commitment
🆘 Need Help?
Childline: 0800 1111 (free, 24/7, confidential)
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (100% anonymous)
CEOP: ceop.police.uk (online exploitation)
Emergency: 999