Diverting Children and Young People from Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) : Guidance for Practice on Recognising and Preventing the Exploitation of Children by SOC

McEwan, Donna (2018) Diverting Children and Young People from Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) : Guidance for Practice on Recognising and Preventing the Exploitation of Children by SOC. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

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Abstract

Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) strategy has four strands – Divert, Deter, Detect and Disrupt. These strands are interconnected and use research and information sharing, as well as seeking to raise awareness and understanding of the various guises in which SOC may present, in order to reduce the harm it causes. The Divert strand has a significant focus on children and young people, and aims to prevent their exploitation by SOC and provide opportunities to divert them from such involvement. In order to do this, greater awareness and understanding of what may increase the risk of being exploited by SOC (or indications a child or young person is already being exploited by SOC) is crucial. This information for practice aims to increase awareness and knowledge to prevent or divert children and young people from being exploited by SOC. Serious and Organised Crime often targets vulnerable individuals who, whilst they may have some value to the SOC group, are expendable and replaceable. Children and young people are vulnerable to such exploitation and may be at risk of involvement in SOC often without even realising. Young people are not always able to understand the wider implications of the situations they become involved in, thus it is crucial that the adults around them are able to recognise potential indicators of SOC and what they can do to protect and divert young people from such a pathway.

CORE (COnnecting REpositories)