Multi-Agency Exploitation Screening Tool
Updated: January 2026
The purpose of the Multi-Agency Exploitation Screening Tool is to help professionals to identify indicators which suggest a child/young person is experiencing any form of exploitation or is at risk of this. The tool can be used by any practitioner for all children/young people of any gender at any point in time. It can be used for children / young people aged up to 18 years, (up to age 25 years with special educational needs and disability and care leavers up to age 21 years) and should be used alongside statutory guidance for each agency.
Ensure you download and use the linked Child Exploitation Initial Response Pathway (Including Serious Youth Violence) to support next steps and response decision‑making.
Latest updates include:
- A clearer, more intuitive layout that makes indicators easier to understand and apply across all forms of exploitation.
- Strengthened emphasis on professional judgement supported by structured indicators.
- Incorporates updated vulnerability and contextual risk factors.
- Clearer definitions of Emerging, Escalating, and Significant risk.
- Each level links directly into the new Child Exploitation Initial Response Pathway, ensuring consistent next steps.
To download this document, please click the link below.