Helping young people recognise child criminal exploitation before it happens.
Every year, young people are groomed and exploited by organised crime groups. It rarely starts with violence or threats. It often begins with friendship, gifts, money, status or a sense of belonging.
Caught Up is a short educational film developed to help young people understand how child criminal exploitation happens, the warning signs to look out for, and how to get help.
Our aim is simple.
To start conversations that could protect a young person’s future.
About the Film
Caught Up follows the story of a young person who becomes drawn into criminal exploitation.
The film shows how grooming can happen gradually, how quickly situations can escalate, and the devastating impact exploitation can have on young people, their families and their communities.
The storyline reflects the experiences and tactics that police and partner agencies see every day.
Learning Resources
Alongside the film, we have created a range of ready-to-use educational resources, including:
- Lesson plans
- Discussion activities
- Teacher guidance
- Follow-up questions
- Further support information
The resources have been designed to make it easy for schools, colleges and other organisations to deliver meaningful sessions around exploitation, safeguarding and making positive choices.
Who is it for?
Caught Up has been designed for:
- Secondary schools
- Colleges
- Alternative provision settings
- Youth organisations
- Community groups
- Young Offender Institutes
- Professionals working with young people
The materials can be adapted to suit different ages and learning environments.
Our Aim
We know that prevention is far better than intervention.
By helping young people recognise the warning signs early, we hope to:
- Increase awareness of child criminal exploitation.
- Challenge the myths surrounding organised crime.
- Encourage young people to seek help sooner.
- Give trusted adults the confidence to start important conversations.
- Reduce the number of young people becoming victims of exploitation.
If just one young person recognises the warning signs because of Caught Up, then the project has made a difference.
Access the Resources
The film and supporting educational resources are available to schools, colleges and organisations working with young people.
Together, we can help young people recognise exploitation, make informed choices and know where to turn for help.
Recognise it. Challenge it. Prevent it.
To access resources fill in the form below.