The professional approach

Street Teams is a specialist charity based in Walsall, working to reduce exploitation and wider risks outside of the home. Established in 1999, the organisation has grown from providing direct support to children experiencing exploitation to delivering a broader, preventative approach rooted in contextual safeguarding and social justice.

As the commissioned service for Walsall Local Authority, Street Teams supports children and young people identified as being at medium risk of exploitation, those who are being targeted or groomed for the purposes of exploitation, including both child sexual exploitation (CSE) and child criminal exploitation (CCE).

Our work is built on the understanding that harm doesn’t just happen at home; it often occurs in peer groups, schools, neighbourhoods, and online spaces. By addressing these contexts and the inequalities that contribute to risk, we aim to create safer environments where children and young people can thrive.

Street Teams also delivers a range of early intervention, prevention, and education projects, including:

• Enlighten Education Programme – awareness and prevention sessions in schools to help children understand risks and pressures.

• Targeted 1:1 and group support for young people identified through schools or professional referrals.

• Parent and carer support through wellbeing sessions, practical guidance, and family-focused activities.

• The Community Futures Project, strengthening community safety and integration through positive activities and awareness campaigns.

Working in close partnership with schools, social care, early help, police, health, and voluntary sector organisations, Street Teams plays a key role in Walsall’s multi-agency approach to reducing exploitation and protecting young people from harm.