Exploitation
Councils are focusing on preventing youth exploitation and offending, with new strategies and reported reductions in first-time offenders.
Councils are currently focusing on preventing youth exploitation and offending. Hounslow Council approved a revised Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2027 in September 2026, aiming to prevent offending and re-offending. Barnet's youth justice system reported a 16.3% reduction in first-time offenders in September 2026, attributed to a proactive child-first approach. Redbridge's Children and Young People Committee also discussed its Youth Justice Strategic Plan in September 2026.
In July 2026, Croydon Council adopted a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029, which includes protecting young people from violence and exploitation. Hammersmith and Fulham Council enhanced its strategy to combat cuckooing, a form of exploitation, and its Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit supported 215 young people by June 2026. Brent Safeguarding Children Partnership prioritised tackling neglect, identifying it as a key focus in July 2026.
Kensington and Chelsea's Family Services Select Committee addressed escalating concerns about serious youth violence and exploitation in March 2026, noting the impacts of the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis. Hillingdon Council's Cabinet endorsed a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029 in February 2026, aiming to prevent harm through early intervention and safeguarding.
Key facts
- Barnet reported a 16.3% reduction in first-time youth offenders in September 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council approved a revised Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2027 in September 2026. Source
- In 2025-26, 93 children in Hounslow were involved with the Youth Justice Service. Source
- Croydon Council adopted a new Community Safety Strategy for 2026-2029 in July 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham's Gangs, Violence and Exploitation Unit supported 215 young people by June 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.