This policy must be read in conjunction with the other Positive Aspirations Safeguarding policies, because different kinds of exploitation often overlap across categories and areas of risk.
Legislative Background
Our fostering agency is dedicated to protecting children from all forms of exploitation and crime, in accordance with the Fostering Regulations 2011, the Children Act 1989, and related safeguarding legislation, especially the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.
For more detailed guidance, see the Government publication Safeguarding children and young people who may be affected by gang activity (search reference: DCSF-00064-2010).
Proposed Changes to Legislation
The Crime and Policing Bill 2024-25 was introduced in Parliament on 25 February 2025 and has not yet received Royal Assent, which means it is not yet law. It is still going through Parliament — particularly the House of Lords committee stages as of December 2025,
Even though not yet law, the Bill is set to introduce several major changes if and when it is passed — including:
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
- It will be a standalone criminal offence for adults to use or exploit children for criminal activity, such as drug dealing or violence.
- This directly targets gangs that groom minors into criminality.
- Maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison
Cuckooing
- Criminalises the takeover of a vulnerable person’s home by gang members to use it for illegal activities (e.g., drug supply).
- Also carries a significant prison sentence
Coerced Internal Concealment
- Targets forcing or coercing someone (child or adult) to conceal drugs or items inside their body for criminal purposes.
- Recognises a harmful exploitative practice tied to county lines activity.
These changes are designed to shift the legal focus onto exploiters and bring penalties better aligned with the harm caused. They also introduce new civil preventative orders to disrupt these behaviours before they escalate. GOV.UK+1
General Background
The Government defines a gang as “a relatively durable group with a shared identity who meet often. These groups are mainly street-based young people who view themselves (and are viewed by others) as a distinct group, with crime and violence central to that identity.”
Gang activity and the fear it creates can seriously harm children’s safety and emotional well-being. Some children who feel vulnerable join gangs seeking respect and protection. Serious youth violence is three times more likely to involve gang members than young people who are not in gangs.
Risk Factors for becoming affiliated to a gang NSPCC:
• Wanting to fit in with friends and feeling peer pressure
• Feeling respected and important
• Seeking protection from other gangs or bullies
• Wanting to earn money and being promised rewards
• Wanting status and a sense of power
• Experiencing school exclusion and feeling uncertain about their future
Additional risk factors, Public Health England:
• Experiences of trauma in childhood (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
• Feeling insecure about attachments and having weak bonds with caregivers
• Living with conduct disorders (diagnosed mental health conditions marked by ongoing antisocial, aggressive or defiant behaviour)
• Experiencing social exclusion (limited participation in mainstream social, cultural, economic and political life)
• Living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods
Tackling gang involvement requires many agencies to work together and share information. Safeguarding must support children who are on the edge of gang involvement as well as those already involved, remembering that a young person can be both a perpetrator and a victim. Research shows that the deeper a young person is involved in a gang, the less likely they are to speak about it. If a child does share concerns about gangs, foster carers and professionals should always take them seriously.
Advice for Foster Families
What are the warning signs that a young person may have become involved with a gang? NSPCC:
• Frequent school absence or a sudden drop in performance
• Going missing from home, staying out late, or travelling without explanation
• Spending time or being in a relationship with someone older
• Showing anger, aggression, or violence
• Becoming isolated or withdrawn
• Having unexplained money or new possessions
Other signs to look out for:
• Having unexplained money
• Using unfamiliar slang or language
• Showing new mannerisms or gestures
• Changing clothing style or becoming very focused on the latest fashion without previous interest
• Appearing constantly alert in public (e.g., watching passing vehicles or refusing to sit with their back to a door in a café)
• Listening to new genres, especially drill music (noting that enjoying drill music alone does not mean gang involvement)
• Spending time with known or suspected gang members
• Avoiding leisure, sports, family, or social activities they previously enjoyed
• Having unexplained injuries and not seeking medical help
• Expressing aggressive or intimidating views toward groups of young people, including former friends
Most active gang members are male, although some are female. Girls are often expected to carry or hide weapons or drugs and can face sexual violence during initiation or gang conflict. Research shows that many girls do not report assault or seek medical help. Female members may also be pressured to recruit other girls, especially younger peers who are easier to coerce. Once involved, both boys and girls may feel unable to leave because they fear retaliation or violence from rival gangs.
What do Children and Young People need?
Conversations about gangs must be sensitive and non-judgmental. Young people may face serious, even life-threatening risks for entering the ‘wrong territory’ or refusing to join a local drug culture.
We should not define young people by their past experiences or current behaviour. Encourage them to share their hopes and dreams, alongside their fears and worries. Praise their achievements and let them know we are here for them unconditionally.
Because gang violence is so serious, statutory and voluntary agencies work together to reach children before they are drawn into gang activity.
The NSPCC website recommends the following:
• Talk with the young person about their experiences
• Keep track of where they are
• Seek support to help the young person
• Encourage positive change
Progress following concerns for a child:
Foster carers supporting children who are known or suspected to be at risk of gang affiliation should follow both agency and local safeguarding guidance.
Foster carers must share any concerns or behaviour changes with their supervising social worker and the child’s social worker. If they believe a child is in immediate danger, they must contact the police.
When a child is at known or potential risk, the Supervising Social Worker will update the child’s safer caring policy to reflect these concerns. They will also complete a gang affiliation risk matrix.
The risk matrix helps assess risk levels by weighing likelihood against potential harm. It makes risks more visible and supports Supervising Social Workers in guiding foster carers to manage these risks.
The identified risk level is a guideline; professional judgment remains essential. Information on indicators, professional opinions, and protective factors builds a clear picture of the child’s situation and exploitation risk. This understanding must be reflected in the child’s safer caring policy and in how the risk will be managed.
Supporting Foster Carers
Our agency is committed to protecting children and young people, which means supporting foster carers to meet their needs and keep them safe.
Training and Awareness
Beyond mandatory safeguarding training, foster carers supporting children at known or potential risk must complete additional training on recognising signs of gang affiliation and its specific risks.
Risk Assessment and Management
Every foster child receives a thorough risk assessment, which specifically considers gang-affiliation factors. For children known to be at risk, a risk matrix informs the risk-management plan to reduce identified risks.
Partnership Working
The agency works closely with the child’s local authority, law enforcement, schools, and health services to share information, coordinate interventions, and support children at risk of or affected by gang affiliation.
Reporting and Recording
Clear reporting procedures for gang-related concerns are set out in each child’s safer caring policy. Foster carers should report any suspicions or disclosures immediately, and detailed records are kept in line with statutory requirements. Monthly service meetings review children at known risk and update their RAG rating.
