Equipping frontline practitioners with sharper tools to identify hidden risks, challenge assumptions, and respond more effectively.

County lines and child criminal exploitation continue to challenge safeguarding systems, yet too often responses are shaped by stereotypes or surface-level indicators. This interactive, evidence-led session draws on lived experience and doctoral research to cut through the noise.

Participants will explore how exploitation really works on the ground, why 16–17 year olds frequently fall through gaps, and what professionals can do differently in practice.

What to expect

• Real-world case insights and research findings
• Practical strategies and safety planning tools
• Engaging, interactive delivery with opportunities for reflection and Q&A

Why attend?

This session equips frontline practitioners with sharper tools to identify hidden risks, challenge assumptions, and respond more effectively to one of the most complex safeguarding issues facing services today.

This session will be led by Junior Smart.