County Lines Awareness Training Course

Understanding and recognising the risks of County Lines and Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is more important than ever. These challenges affect not only individuals but also families, communities, and the wider social care landscape. This free online training course equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to identify exploitation and take action in your role.

County Lines operations exploit vulnerable young people and adults in devastating ways. By increasing awareness and providing clear guidance, this free country lines course empowers you to make a real difference in safeguarding individuals at risk and supporting those affected.

Whether you’re new to this topic or want to deepen your understanding, this free country lines course is specifically designed for professionals within the health and social care sector. With a focus on practical skills and UK-specific guidance, you’ll feel confident applying what you learn directly to your work.

Why Take This Course?

County Lines exploitation presents some of the most complex challenges faced in social care today. Vulnerable children and adults are coerced, manipulated, and groomed into criminal activity, often without fully understanding the consequences. If you work in social care or a related field, it’s essential to be able to recognise these risks and take action.

Here are some of the key reasons to join this course:

• Build your knowledge: Learn how County Lines operations target young people and vulnerable individuals. Gain a deeper understanding of the tactics used to groom and exploit.
• Stay alert to the signs: Recognise the vulnerabilities, behaviours, and physical indicators that signal someone may be involved in or at risk of exploitation.
• Support better outcomes: With a comprehensive understanding of safeguarding strategies, you’ll be better equipped to protect and support individuals, families, and communities.
• Learn practical approaches: Access clear, actionable steps, including how to respond to disclosures and make referrals to appropriate support services.
• Work effectively across agencies: Find out how to collaborate with professionals across sectors to share information and provide targeted interventions.

By taking this course, you help create safer environments for children and vulnerable adults and contribute to addressing the root causes of exploitation.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, you will:

• Understand what County Lines is and how it links to Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).
• Learn how County Lines operations groom and exploit individuals, including through trafficking.
• Identify the risk factors that make someone more vulnerable to exploitation.
• Spot behavioural and physical signs of involvement in County Lines activities.
• Recognise how boys, girls, and women can be recruited differently and the specific risks faced by young girls.
• Take appropriate safeguarding actions, including responding to disclosures, reporting concerns, and accessing support services.
• Provide trauma-informed support to individuals and families affected by exploitation.
• Collaborate effectively with multi-agency teams such as the police, schools, and health professionals in safeguarding efforts.
• Develop practical skills to act early and prevent further harm by understanding real-life scenarios through case studies.

This training empowers you with tools, strategies, and pathways to handle complex situations with confidence and clarity.

Target Audience

This free training is designed for anyone in the social care or related sectors, including:

• Social workers, care assistants, and support workers who interact directly with children and families.
• Youth workers or community outreach professionals supporting young people.
• Teachers and school staff who want to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Keyworkers in housing, health, or other sectors who may come into contact with individuals at risk.
• Team leaders, managers, or safeguarding leads looking to strengthen their understanding of County Lines issues.

Whether you’re on the front line working directly with people who use services or in a supporting role, this course is a practical and accessible way to strengthen your skills.

FAQ

How long does the course take?
This online course is flexible and can be completed at your own pace. It includes approximately one hour of learning materials.

Do I need prior knowledge of County Lines or safeguarding?
No. This course is suitable for anyone, whether you’re new to the topic or looking to refresh your knowledge.

Is the course content relevant to the UK?
Yes, all guidance, laws, and procedures are specific to England.

Will I get a certificate?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate upon completion of the course. It can be used to show your understanding of County Lines awareness.

How do I apply what I learn?
The course provides step-by-step guidance, such as recognising warning signs, referring individuals to support services, and working with other agencies. You’ll leave with practical strategies that apply directly to your role.

Is support available during the training?
Yes, our team is here to help answer any questions you might have during the course.

Make a lasting impact in your role by recognising and addressing County Lines exploitation. Join this free online course to boost your confidence, improve your safeguarding knowledge, and make a positive difference in your community. Start learning today and become a part of the solution.