Pan Merseyside Child Exploitation Service

Works with young people under 18-years-old across Merseyside who are experiencing or at risk of child sexual exploitation.

The service responds to and fully supports young people who are currently involved in child sexual exploitation (CSE), child criminal exploitation (CCE), gangs and trafficking, through both one to one and group work. Learn more about our CSE approach.

Comprehensive screening and assessment of young people is conducted to identify CSE or CCE risk and incidence, followed by programmes of intervention which enable young people to reflect upon and recognise CE.

Long-term support for young people affected by CE is provided, ensuring that they are fully supported to recover and reduce any further risk.

Building on the success of our nationally recognised Dawes Unit, the service also supports young people to exit gangs.

The service runs a dedicated helpline 0808 168 9698 and provides support to young people affected by CE who need advice as well as family and friends who are concerned about runaways and child sexual exploitation.

Download our guide for parents, carers and families on spotting the signs of CSE (PDF).

Training

The service offers training to groups of young people (preventative and targeted) as well as professional training to members of the children and young people’s workforce.

Work with other agencies

The service works in partnership with Merseyside Police and Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs), attending multi-agency child sexual exploitation (MACSE) meetings, supporting families to attend and promoting the sharing of intelligence across agencies.

This service forms part of Victim Care Merseyside which is funded by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

Further information

• Visit the Listen to My Story website for further information about CSE for parents and professionals in the Merseyside area
• Go to the Catch22 Stay Safe Facebook page
• Visit the Victim Care Merseyside website.