'We meet young people at their most vulnerable, so being there to help them escape the cycle of exploitation is vital'

Catch22 service, set up by the commissioner's office to identify and support those at risk of child criminal exploitation, is hailed a success after helping 200 children last year

- 

MORE than 200 children at risk of, or victims of, child criminal exploitation were supported last year by the Catch22 service, launched by the Staffordshire Commissioner's Office.

A further 169 parents and carers also received support, and 700 professionals were given the tools and training to support a child they already had meaningful relationships with.

Some 97 per cent of the children supported were at less risk of being exploited following Catch22’s intervention, and had a greater awareness of issues relating to exploitation.

Police say the offence is a complex and serious threat to children’s safety, and is the coercion of young people into criminal activity, such as ‘County Lines’ drug dealing.