Child Criminal Exploitation CCE Course

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) – Online Course

Course overview
This one-hour online course introduces Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE), helping learners understand how children and young people may be groomed, manipulated or coerced into criminal activity for another person’s benefit. It explores common exploitation methods, warning signs, vulnerability factors, online risks, safeguarding responsibilities and appropriate reporting procedures. The course supports professionals in recognising concerns early and applying good safeguarding practice within their role.

Please note: This course provides introductory Level 1 awareness training. It supports safeguarding knowledge but does not replace role-specific, specialist or practical training that an employer may require. Learners should follow current legislation, organisational safeguarding policies and local reporting procedures, and seek advice from the appropriate safeguarding professionals when concerns arise.

What the course covers
• Introduction to Child Criminal Exploitation and its key terminology
• Understanding what CCE is and how it occurs
• Grooming methods and manipulation tactics
• The potential impact of criminal exploitation on children and young people
• Common signs and indicators of exploitation
• Methods used to exploit children for criminal purposes
• Who may be affected by CCE
• Factors that may increase vulnerability to exploitation
• Recognising behavioural and situational warning signs
• Online warning signs and technology-related risks
• Safeguarding vulnerable children and young people
• Managing referrals and assessments
• Reporting safeguarding concerns
• Connections between exploitation, modern slavery and human trafficking
• Effective ways of working with children and young people
• Partnership working and multi-agency collaboration

Who is it for?
This introductory Level 1 course is suitable for professionals who work with, support or come into contact with children and young people who may be at risk of criminal exploitation. It is appropriate for induction, refresher training, awareness and knowledge enhancement.

It may be particularly useful for:
• Social workers involved in child protection and safeguarding
• Teachers and other education staff
• Youth workers supporting vulnerable young people
• Police officers and other law enforcement professionals
• Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and mental health practitioners
• Community workers and youth justice professionals
• Local authority staff, including housing officers and family support workers

Practical benefits
• Improve awareness of how criminal exploitation can develop
• Recognise grooming tactics and potential warning signs
• Understand circumstances that may increase a child’s vulnerability
• Identify concerns that may require safeguarding action
• Develop awareness of reporting, referral and assessment procedures
• Understand the importance of building trust and providing appropriate support
• Recognise the value of partnership working and coordinated safeguarding responses

What learners will be able to do
• Explain the key principles and terminology associated with CCE
• Recognise why criminal exploitation is relevant to their professional role
• Identify common risks, indicators and potentially concerning situations
• Understand individual safeguarding responsibilities and role boundaries
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles when concerns arise
• Communicate concerns effectively with relevant professionals
• Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is necessary
• Understand the importance of referrals, assessments and multi-agency working
• Use their learning to support safer and more consistent safeguarding practice

Assessment and certificate
The course includes an end-of-course quiz. Learners who successfully complete the quiz receive a CPD-accredited Child Criminal Exploitation certificate, available to download or print at home. Unlimited assessment retakes are available. The course awards 1 CPD point.