A PCC-funded charity worker has helped to protect more than 100 of Cleveland’s most vulnerable children.
The Barnardos’ Complex Exploitation Team (CET) Worker based with Cleveland Police has worked with 133 children since the post was set up in 2022.
Most of the young people – 92 in total – were at risk of child criminal exploitation (CCE.)
CCE occurs when another person – or persons – manipulate, deceive, coerce or control some-one under-18 to take part in criminal activity.
Latest figures show that boys were most at risk of CCE while girls were most at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE)
CSE is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive an under-18 into sexual activity.
The main aim of the worker is to support children and families during investigations into CCE and CSE.
Close working
Close working relationships between the worker and a number of fellow professionals means agencies are now better able to share information.
That helps them work together to get the people at risk of causing most harm to children off Cleveland’s streets, preventing abuse at source.
Recognising the value of the role, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey has agreed to continue funding until 31 March 2027.
First chance of support
He said: “It’s likely that these children would not have agreed to meet with the police.
“Seeing a Barnardo’s worker gives the child an opportunity to disclose or seek support.
“It also means that children have seen someone instead of no-one. This also applies to their family members. As a result, it gives them an opportunity to report anything related to the case.”
The PCC has funded the role since 2022. Cleveland was one of the first forces in England and Wales to have a civilian member of staff working alongside officers to flag issues around child exploitation.
Until November 2025, the Barnardos worker sat with Cleveland Police’s Complex Exploitation Team (CET.)
Now she works closely with Prevention Command but is accessible to anyone in the force, who needs her expertise.
Inspector Tom McLeod, from Cleveland Police’s Prevention Command, said: “This role has been hugely beneficial to officers, and it is great to hear it will continue to be in place.
“To have someone who can engage and communication with a child to understand their needs really break down barriers that could be in place.
“It helps officers with their investigation but most importantly enables us to safeguard and provide support to a vulnerable child who could be at risk of exploitation.”
Many aspects of the CET Worker role were put forward as recommendations to improve the current system in last year’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
The Government is only now starting to roll out recommendations such as the mandatory sharing of information between statutory safeguarding partners.