Overview

• The upcoming Crime and Policing Bill will make child criminal exploitation (CCE) and 'cuckooing' distinct criminal offenses in the UK.
• CCE offenders, who groom children into activities like county lines drug dealing, could face up to 10 years in prison under the new law.
• 'Cuckooing,' where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable individuals for illegal activities, will carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
• Courts will also be empowered to issue CCE prevention orders, restricting individuals suspected of exploiting children; violations of these orders could result in five-year sentences.
• The legislation aims to protect child victims, shift accountability to perpetrators, and provide clarity that exploited children are victims of abuse, not criminals.