“I was afraid to speak out because of what they would do to me, but you helped me to see that I could escape and get support” Annie, 15 Missing People will be hosting County Lines Conference: The National Picture and Best Practiceon Thursday 19th September 2019 from 09:45 – 13:30 in Birmingham. Numbers of children being criminally exploited are rising and the police, social workers, those in the criminal justice system and the voluntary sector are seeing increasing demand for their support and expertise to help tackle this. This conference will share best practice from work being done nationally and locally to tackle county lines and findings from organisations working with victims of child criminal exploitation. Young people recruited by gangs are often forced to go missing and are at risk of violence and other abuse. Their families **** the trauma involved in a disappearance and fear for their loved one’s life. Delegates will hear: A mother’s story and lived experience of county lines National County Lines Coordination Centre outlining the national approach to tackling county lines Research findings of Families’ experiences of child criminal exploitation by Missing People Refreshments will be provided in the break and there will also be an opportunity to network and learn from representatives from a variety of professional backgrounds. For further information about the event, please contact partners@ or call 0208 392 4525
