New laws criminalize child exploitation and “cuckooing,” protecting vulnerable children and punishing abusers with stricter penalties.
The government wants to protect kids and punish those who use them. These changes are part of a Crime and Policing Bill. The Home Secretary says it will protect kids, calling the exploitation of children awful, and believes that these changes will make streets safer.
In 2023-24, about 14,500 kids were at risk, which means child criminal exploitation affected them. The real number is likely higher, as some kids don’t get help.
The new laws include CCE prevention orders. Courts can restrict people at risk, which might limit who they contact or where they go. Breaking these orders is a crime too, and can lead to five years imprisonment.
The Children’s Commissioner supports these changes. She says it shows exploited kids are victims, and she wants a justice system that protects children. The new laws help make this happen, giving much needed clarity that exploited children are victims.
One charity leader calls the changes a vital step. They will focus on the abusers, not the young victims, because adults who groom kids avoid punishment now. Drug charges miss the point; abusers exploit vulnerable kids. The bill also outlaws spiking, which could result in ten years in jail.