Signs and symptoms

Spot the signs and symptoms that child sexual exploitation may be taking place

Report concerns

Alternatively you can ring Family Connect on 01952 385385 (option 1) or email familyconnect@telford.gov.uk.

Here are some examples of signs and symptoms to look out for:

• a change in routine, such as staying out late, taking different routes home, leaving for school early, and changes in school attendance;
• unexplained things (eg cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, food);
• self-harm;
• significant changes in behaviour;
• substance/alcohol misuse;
• change of appearance;
• sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy in girls and young women;
• withdrawal from family relationships;
• change of, or withdrawal from, usual peer group;
• secretive and excessive mobile and internet use;
• truancy or exclusion from school;
• associating with peers already identified as at risk of CSE;
• relationships with older people;
• use of street language/change in language;
• feeling of invincibility.

If you notice a child or young person displaying any of these signs or symptoms, you should report your concerns.

Reports can be made anonymously.

If you have concerns that child sexual exploitation may be taking place in your community but don’t know the names of the children or young people, you can still report your concerns by providing any details that will help us investigate.

What happens when you report concerns?

All information will be handled and investigated with the utmost sensitivity.

Our team and partners will take proportionate action to help them continue to protect children and young people in our borough.

If you are unsure whether to report your concerns, it’s better to report than not – you may be the person who can stop child sexual exploitation from happening.

How to manage difficult conversations

The child or young person may have been told not to talk about what they are doing, or threatened with violence or exposure. They may also not understand what is happening to them. The best approach is to talk to them generally about what is happening in their lives.

Try to find a time to talk to them calmly about how they feel. They may open up and share they are unhappy about a part of their life, they may even say they need help. But they may say nothing at all.

It is really important the young person doesn’t feel blamed or at fault, so try to offer a loving, safe space. If it’s difficult for them to share what is going on in their lives, give some thought about whether there is anyone else that you both trust. Is there a grandparent, a family friend, someone from school or someone from your local community?

If you are a parent or a carer you may need help too. It’s important to remember you are not alone. The best way to support a child is to also get support yourself.