Northern Ireland DoJ statement: CJI Child Criminal Exploitation report

Responding to a Criminal Justice Inspection report on child criminal exploitation, Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Tackling child criminal exploitation requires a coordinated cross‑government effort, supported by close collaboration with police and our statutory and community partners. It is vital that victims are seen as children requiring protection and safeguarding rather than criminalising.

The inspection report provides important and timely insights into how the justice system can better recognise, prevent and respond to this complex and evolving threat to children's safety and wellbeing. My Department accepts the recommendations and is in the process of working with partner organisations to establish a child-centred child exploitation strategic framework for justice outcomes.

There has already been significant cross-departmental working on Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) with the two-year action plan which launched in September 2024. This programme of work is ongoing and includes strengthening early identification, enhancing collaborative problem-solving, providing staff training, and prioritising timely intervention to prevent harm.

Sickeningly children in our community are controlled, coerced and harmed by paramilitaries, organised crime gangs and trusted adults; my Department will continue to work closely with police, partners across the justice system and wider government to end the harm.”