Violence traps scared kids in county lines gangs. They need help before it's too late

Young people are exploited for years before getting support. Social care, schools and police need to know the warning signs

Josh* had just turned 15 when the police caught him with more than £100 worth of cannabis and £200 in cash. They seized the drugs, took him home and gave the money to his mum. No referrals were made, or support offered. His mum, unaware of what was going on, simply gave the money back to Josh and left it at that.

He was a scared kid caught up in a world he didn’t know how to get out of. But rather than getting the help he desperately needed, he was given a slap on the wrist and a pep talk to shape up his act.

What does the term ‘county lines’ mean?

Related: I’ve seen the child slavery of county lines up close. £20m won’t stop it | Sally Donovan

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/37wkt7v