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Children at Risk of Exploitation (C.A.R.E.)

We support children and young adults who have been or are at risk of being exploited, that might mean that you feel like you have been forced to do something, or you've been asked to do something and feel like you can't say no.

Who is C.A.R.E. for?

Who is C.A.R.E. for?

We work with children, young people and adults aged 8-24 who are at a medium/high risk of criminal or sexual exploitation, or those that are actively being exploited.

You need to live in Essex and either be someone who doesn't want, or can't talk to government services - local authority, social workers, the police or school about the exploitation you've experienced.’

How can we support you?

We know that everyone's experience is different. There is no one size fits all when it comes to support. That is why we give you options, so that you can feel comfortable. We offer:

  • One-to-one therapeutic sessions — these sessions will assist you with trauma. They are aimed at helping you move forward, increase your emotional well-being and keep you safe.
  • Targeted group work sessions - this 8-week program is there for when more than one person is identified as being at risk of exploitation.
  • Specialist Sexual Violence Counselling – For those that have experienced sexual violence/trauma because of exploitation, or those that have experienced something historically that is thought to have now made them more vulnerable and at a higher risk of exploitation. We will aim to hold an initial assessment with the YP and then around 6-10 sessions focused on this specific trauma.  Referrals can be made on the same CARE form, either by specifically requesting the sexual violence counselling support or by detailing the YP’s situation and the referral will be screened to see which service is most suitable.

We also support professionals to help them identify young people at risk of exploitation. Through trainings and consultation we aim to facilitate a good professional relationship with whoever is in need of help.

C.A.R.E. quote

C.A.R.E. has helped me understand things like consent more fully C.A.R.E. has helped me understand things like consent more fully

boy blue hoody sitting on swing gazing at ground

How do I access the service?

We accept referrals from any agency and/or individual working with a child, young person or family affected. Here we break it down for you:

  • One-to-one, group work, and counselling referrals

These can be made by phoning 01245 493 311 or downloading the referral form and Exploitation Pathway and returning the completed documents to us via email.

If you're worried a child is being exploited, you can use our exploitation pathway tool.

Get in touch

We are always learning and aiming to improve wherever we can. Do you have a comment or question about our services? We want to hear from you today.

Email our Service Manager or call 01245 493 311 and ask to speak to a member of the C.A.R.E. team.