Access Compass guide
Spotting the signs of exploitation (CCE/CSE) in disabled children
Early warning signs for criminal/sexual exploitation in disabled children and what to do.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers
Not yet verified Last checked 16 Jul 2026. Review due 15 Aug 2026. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Visual explanations
These diagrams use real text, so the same complete information can be zoomed, selected, read aloud and printed.
Action plan · full text built in
Exploitation: notice, listen, record and act
A calm safeguarding pathway showing possible changes, supportive conversation, accurate recording, urgent referral and emergency action. The headings and lists that follow are the complete text equivalent of this visual.
-
Notice changes
-
Look for patterns, not one sign
Changes in people, places, travel, money, phones, online activity, injuries, distress, missing episodes or sexualised behaviour may need careful exploration.
-
-
Listen without blame
-
Use the person's communication
Stay calm, use accessible questions, do not promise secrecy and do not confront a suspected exploiter.
-
-
Record accurately
-
Separate fact from interpretation
Record the person's words, dates, locations, people, online details and what you observed. Preserve relevant messages or images safely.
-
-
Act
-
Refer promptly
Use the local safeguarding or MASH route and police where a crime or immediate risk may be involved. Early Help is not a prerequisite for a safeguarding referral.
-
-
Emergency
-
Call 999
Use 999 where there is immediate danger, a serious crime in progress or an urgent missing-person risk.
-
Printable and zoomable: this is structured text, not an image.
Step by step
-
Red flags (home & school)
Unexplained gifts/cash; new older peers; secretive phone use; absences; withdrawn/agitated; injuries; sudden taxi trips; changes in route to school.
-
SEND-specific risks
Naivety around friendships; masking/people-pleasing; need for belonging; communication barriers; over-reliance on online spaces.
-
Act early
Record dates and screenshots if it is safe; talk calmly and listen, including to how the child communicates; do not confront suspected exploiters. If there is immediate danger, a child is left alone or missing, call 999. Otherwise contact MASH on 0300 126 7000 or MASH@nctrust.co.uk, and contact CEOP for online grooming concerns.
Useful links
Source: https://nctrust.co.uk/report-a-concern-or-request-support/