Child criminal exploitation and 'County Lines'

This first episode explores the phenomenon of child criminal exploitation, in particular, children who have been exploited into selling drugs through so-called 'County Lines'.

In conversation with three guests, I try to unpick just what 'County Lines' is, what it means for the young people caught up in it, and what can be done to tackle it.

I am joined in the episode by:

• Sarah Hegarty - Service Manager, The Children's Society Will Quince - MP for Colchester Tim Champion - National Police Chiefs' Council

For more information on The Children's Society's work to combat criminal exploitation visit their website, where you can learn more about the new National Disrupting Exploitation programme and find a toolkit for professionals working with young people affected by it.

The approach to child protection known as 'Contextual Safeguarding' was first developed by Dr Carlene Firmin at the University of Bedfordshire - visit their website to find out more.

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