(Image: Supplied)
More than 100 of Cleveland’s most vulnerable children have been helped and protected by a charity worker whose role was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, new figures show.
The Barnardo’s Complex Exploitation Team (CET) worker, based with Cleveland Police, has supported 133 children since the role was created in 2022.
Of those, 92 were identified as being at risk of child criminal exploitation (CCE).
Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: "It’s likely that these children would not have agreed to meet with the police.
"Seeing a Barnardo's worker gives the child an opportunity to disclose or seek support.
"It also means that children have seen someone instead of no-one.
"This also applies to their family members.
"As a result, it gives them an opportunity to report anything related to the case."
The role, funded by the PCC since 2022, focuses on supporting children and families during investigations into CCE and child sexual exploitation (CSE).
CCE involves individuals manipulating, coercing, or controlling under-18s into taking part in criminal activity, while CSE involves exploiting a power imbalance to coerce or deceive a child into sexual activity.
Cleveland was among the first police forces in England and Wales to embed a civilian member of staff in its team to highlight and address child exploitation concerns.
The CET worker was originally based with Cleveland Police’s Complex Exploitation Team until November 2025 but now works within Prevention Command and remains available to the wider force.
Inspector Tom McLeod, from Cleveland Police’s Prevention Command, said: "This role has been hugely beneficial to officers, and it is great to hear it will continue to be in place.
"To have someone who can engage and communication with a child to understand their needs really break down barriers that could be in place.
"It helps officers with their investigation but most importantly enables us to safeguard and provide support to a vulnerable child who could be at risk of exploitation."
The civilian worker has also improved multi-agency collaboration, helping professionals share information more effectively.
This joint approach has helped police and partners target those posing the most harm to children and take action to prevent abuse.
Many elements of the CET worker's role were recommended as part of last year’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
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In response, the Government is beginning to implement changes, including mandatory information sharing between statutory safeguarding partners.
Recognising the ongoing need for the role, Mr Storey has agreed to extend funding until March 31, 2027.
The extended funding means the worker will continue helping vulnerable children and their families, ensuring they receive dedicated support and safeguarding during complex and often traumatic investigations.