The number of children in Wolverhampton identified as being at risk of, or experiencing, exploitation has risen markedly in recent years, according to a council-commissioned report. Local services have seen demand increase even as the form of abuse tracked by agencies changes.
What the data shows
The city's child exploitation team supported 165 young people in 2025, up from 91 in 2021 — an increase of 81%. Behind that overall rise, the council's figures show contrasting trends for different types of exploitation:
- Children identified as victims of organised sexual grooming (Child Sexual Exploitation) fell from 149 in 2021 to 95 in 2025 (a fall of 36%).
- Children coerced into criminal activity (Child Criminal Exploitation) increased from 178 in 2021 to 195 in 2025 (a rise of 10%).
| Measure | 2021 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Young people supported by exploitation team | 91 | 165 |
| Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) victims | 149 | 95 |
| Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) victims | 178 | 195 |
Who is affected
The report finds the average age of identified victims remains around 14 years. Boys now make up a larger share of those receiving help, accounting for 62% of cases. Data from 2025 also indicates that children from Black or mixed minority ethnic backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
Local services point to several factors that increase a child's vulnerability, including: deprivation, neurodiversity, exposure to domestic abuse and experiences of neglect. The council also notes growing visibility of adult exploitation — particularly financial abuse and the practice known as "cuckooing", where criminals take over a vulnerable person's home to further criminality.
Why the numbers may be rising
The council cautions that the rise in cases supported by the child exploitation team may be partly explained by improved monitoring and faster identification of victims. At the same time, it warns that criminal methods are evolving and that the multi-agency response, while effective in places, is under increasing pressure.
The report makes a number of recommendations aimed at strengthening identification, bolstering support for affected children and disrupting those who exploit them. It concludes that demand for services will continue to rise and that the changing nature of exploitation will require adaptation by local agencies.
What this means locally
- Families and schools should be aware that exploitation can take different forms — including sexual grooming, criminal coercion and financial abuse involving adults.
- Professionals working with children are likely to face greater caseloads and may need more resources and training to identify emerging patterns.
- Community groups and neighbours play a role in spotting signs of exploitation and advising families how to seek help.
Wolverhampton's experience broadly mirrors national trends identified in the report: patterns of exploitation are shifting and certain groups are at higher risk. The council describes its multi-agency approach as effective in parts but warns that continued pressure on capacity will constrain its response unless additional measures are put in place.
Practical information for families and professionals is not included in the report text released with the statistics; however, anyone concerned about a child at risk should contact local safeguarding services or the council's children's services for advice and referrals.
Further updates from the council are expected as it moves to implement the report's recommendations and monitor whether new measures reduce both incidence and harm.
