Scotland’s Criminal Exploitation of Children Framework for Practice

This session introduces Scotland’s Criminal Exploitation of Children Framework which has been adopted by Aberdeenshire Council for Practice. A trauma-informed and child-centred approach to recognising and responding to criminal exploitation as a safeguarding issue.

We will explore how the Framework supports earlier identification of exploitation and encourages curious and proportionate multi-agency responses. The session is a space to reflect on how language, relationships and wider contexts shape children’s experiences, helping to build a shared understanding and collective response to protect children at risk.

Learning Outcomes

• Increase understanding of Scotland’s Criminal Exploitation of Children Framework for Practice by identifying its key principles and how it supports a trauma‑informed, child‑centred approach to safeguarding.
• Practitioners will strengthen their ability to recognise, assess and respond to the risks of Criminal Exploitation of Children (CEC). They will understand the findings from our recent self‑evaluation, the improvements implemented as a result, and why these changes are essential for safeguarding children and delivering a coordinated, trauma‑informed response.
• Apply the Framework to real scenarios by recognising indicators of criminal exploitation earlier and utilising curious, proportionate, and effective multi‑agency responses.
• Reflect on the role of language, relationships, and wider contexts in shaping children’s experiences, developing a shared understanding that strengthens collective efforts to protect children at risk.

Attached is a copy of the self evaluation framework for further viewing/reading.

ACT-0146-CCE-Framework_A4_Multi_Agency-Self-Evaluation_Digital_Editable.pdf