Name: _________________________________________
Date: _________________
Year Group: _________
📊 Key Facts
- The NCA estimates there are over 2,000 active county lines in the UK
- Children as young as 9 have been identified as county lines victims
- The peak age for recruitment is 14-15
- Around 27% of county lines victims are female
- Over 60% of those exploited have previously been in care or have experienced significant family breakdown
- Many victims do not self-identify — they believe they are working voluntarily
⚖️ The Law
- Modern Slavery Act 2015: exploitation of children for criminal purposes carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment
- Section 45 Modern Slavery Act 2015: statutory defence for child victims of trafficking/exploitation who commit offences as a result
- National Referral Mechanism (NRM): official process for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery, including county lines exploitation
- Children exploited through county lines are legally victims, even if they have committed criminal offences as a result
- Cuckooing (taking over a vulnerable person's home to use as a drug supply base) is a distinct criminal offence
✏️ 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 — it is not a lifestyle choice
- Grooming by criminal gangs is deliberately sophisticated — it is not the young person's fault for being recruited
- Section 45 of the Modern Slavery Act protects child victims who commit offences under exploitation
- Warning signs in friends or peers are a reason to tell an adult — it could save their life
- Exiting is possible with the right support — there are safe routes out
🆘 Need Help?
Childline: 0800 1111 (free, 24/7, confidential)
Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (100% anonymous)
CEOP: ceop.police.uk (online exploitation)
Emergency: 999