The UK is taking a significant step to combat the exploitation of children and vulnerable individuals with the introduction of landmark changes through the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill. These changes will make child criminal exploitation (CCE) and cuckooing criminal offences, addressing two devastating patterns of abuse and exploitation.
At Timeout Care Homes, we wholeheartedly support this vital legislation, recognising it as a long-overdue stride in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from harmful criminal activities.
What Is Child Criminal Exploitation and Cuckooing?
Child criminal exploitation (CCE) occurs when adults groom or coerce children into committing criminal activities. These activities may include running drugs for county lines operations, organised theft, or other illicit pursuits. Disturbingly, current estimates suggest that over 14,500 children were identified as being at risk or actively involved in CCE in 2023-2024. However, countless more remain invisible to authorities.
Cuckooing involves criminals taking over the homes of vulnerable individuals—often those with disabilities, mental health struggles, or substance misuse issues—to facilitate criminal enterprises like drug trafficking. This invasive and exploitative practice leaves victims powerless, afraid, and at significant risk of harm.
Introducing New Offences to Protect the Most Vulnerable
This week, the government will bring forward two new criminal offences as part of its Plan for Change. These offences will tackle child criminal exploitation and cuckooing head-on, providing better protection for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
1. Making Child Criminal Exploitation a Standalone Offence
Under current laws, many adults grooming children into criminal activities have evaded justice because their actions do not fall under clear legislation. This new CCE-specific offence changes that by targeting perpetrators and calling out their actions for what they truly are—child abuse.
Adults who manipulate children for criminal gain may face up to 10 years in prison. Alongside stronger legal action, these changes will increase opportunities to identify and safeguard exploited children, breaking cycles of harm.
2. Criminalising Cuckooing
For the first time, cuckooing will be recognised as a criminal offence. Those who exploit vulnerable individuals’ homes for illegal purposes will be held accountable, with sentences of up to 5 years in prison.
This new offence also allows professionals to intervene before exploitation escalates, empowering communities and authorities to protect victims more effectively.
Prevention Orders to Stop Exploitation Early
Beyond punishment, the new legislation introduces CCE Prevention Orders, which can be issued at the end of criminal proceedings or upon request by police. These orders impose restrictions, such as banning offenders from working with children or prohibiting access to specific areas or people, reducing reoffending risks. Breaching these orders will itself be a criminal offence, carrying penalties of up to 5 years in prison.
Why This Legislation Matters
The introduction of these offences has received widespread backing from experts and organisations fighting for the rights of children and vulnerable individuals.
Voices of Support
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the measures as vital steps to safeguarding victims and stopping these hidden crimes. She stated, “The exploitation of children and vulnerable people for criminal gain is sickening, and it is vital we do everything in our power to eradicate it from our streets.”
Baroness Anne Longfield, Executive Chair of the Centre for Young Lives, labelled child exploitation a “brutal and lucrative business model for organised criminals”. She emphasised how the new laws will save lives and protect thousands of young people from devastating harm.
Mark Russell, Chief Executive of The Children’s Society, highlighted the urgent need to refocus accountability on exploiters rather than victims. He said, “For too long, adults who groom children into criminal activity… have evaded accountability. This new offence is a vital step forward that we have been campaigning for over the years.”
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza added that this legislation represents an opportunity to create a child-centric justice system. “These measures will help professionals intervene at far earlier stages… safeguarding must be at the heart of justice.”
A Call for Strong Backing
The success of these new measures depends on strong enforcement, training for safeguarding professionals, and a statutory definition of CCE. It’s essential that safeguarding and justice systems work hand-in-hand to ensure no child or vulnerable individual slips through the cracks.
Supporting a Safer Future for All
At Timeout Care Homes, we witness first hand the devastating effects that exploitation can have on children and vulnerable individuals. This landmark move to criminalise CCE and cuckooing sends a clear message to perpetrators that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
But more than that, it is a step forward in putting victims first—ensuring they receive protection and support instead of punishment.
Together, through this legislation, enforcement, and community action, we can work to safeguard the vulnerable, protect young lives, and create a safer society for all.
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