Safeguarding policy on child criminal exploitation (CCE) offers growing protections for both girls and boys, yet significant limitations persist. For boys and young men, this often includes being suspected as perpetrators, leaving many experiencing CCE – particularly those from marginalised and minoritised backgrounds – dangerously underserved. Drawing on over two decades of practice experience and doctoral research, this book argues that too many boys affected by criminal exploitation are misidentified as threats rather than protected as victims. Framed by Judith Butler's concept of 'ungrievable lives', it explores the key ideas, definitions and systemic patterns that shape their experiences, setting the stage for a deeper examination of how policy, practice and perception can either entrench harm or create space for protection and change. Featuring case studies, reflective tools and practice-orientated approaches designed for real-world application, this is an essential read for anyone working to safeguard young people, including youth workers, social workers and the police, as well as policy makers and researchers focusing on child exploitation.
