Free webinars raise awareness of county lines
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Free webinars aimed at parents are taking place to raise awareness of county lines, child criminal exploitation and what to do if you have concerns.
The events bring together a panel of experts from Parents Against Child Exploitation (PACE), Barnardos and Cleveland, Northumbria and Durham Police Forces.
The webinars are taking place on the below dates and times:
- Monday, 6 February 2023, 7pm - 8.30pm. Session 1 - find out about county lines in your area, how to keep your child safe and what to do if you have concerns.
- Wednesday, 8 February 2023, 7pm – 8pm. Session 2 – hear from safeguarding expert Kendra Housman talking about a real-life child's County Lines experience.
These sessions are separated by the age of your child:
- Wednesday, 15 February 2023, 6.30pm – 7pm. Session 3 - a fun and interactive session that you and your child (aged 12 and under) can attend.
- Wednesday, 15 February 2023, 7.15pm – 8pm. Session 4 - a fun and interactive session that you and your child (aged 13 and over) can attend.
County lines is when organised crime groups coerce and exploit children or vulnerable people into transporting, selling and/or storing illegal drugs/money.
Perpetrators often groom their victims and use coercion, intimidation, violence (including sexual abuse) and weapons to achieve power and control over their victims.
You can report any concerns about exploitation and county lines to Cleveland Police on 101 or anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org (phone 0800 555 111).
