- Prof Alexis Jay warns of the significant risk of children being groomed into crime by organized gangs.
- She emphasizes the lack of a national plan to address this crisis and calls for new legislation.
- Techniques similar to those used by grooming gangs for sexual exploitation are being employed to involve children in criminal activities.
- Vulnerable children, particularly those from poor backgrounds or with mental health issues, are targeted and rewarded for their involvement.
- Criminal activities include drug dealing, weapon handling, street robberies, burglaries, and theft.
- Prof Jay advocates for a national strategy and the creation of a new offense for child criminal exploitation.
- The Home Office pledges up to £5m to support victims, including helplines and specialist services.
- Scotland implements schemes to divert children from exploitation, with a focus on collaboration with various agencies.
- Youth workers, including former criminals, are employed by Action for Children to assist victims of gangs.
- Testimonials from individuals like Joe and his mother highlight the devastating impact of gang exploitation on families.
- Early intervention is crucial in preventing children from getting involved in criminal activities.
- Action for Children’s projects in Scotland, Wales, and the north-east of England have been instrumental in helping children escape gang influence.
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This is such an important issue that needs urgent attention! It’s heartbreaking to see kids being lured into crime, and we definitely need a national plan to tackle this crisis
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