The Vulnerability Lens
Purpose
Police officers often encounter children in routine situations but may not immediately recognise vulnerability. The Vulnerability Lens helps officers quickly assess whether a child may require additional protection.
When encountering a child, police should ask five simple questions:
1. Is the child alone or without adult care?
Examples:
• Living or working on the street
• Found wandering alone
• Missing or separated from family
2. Is the child being controlled or exploited by someone?
Examples:
• Forced begging
• Forced labour
• Trafficking
• Someone speaking for the child or preventing them from answering
3. Is the child unable to access basic needs or services?
Examples:
• No access to school
• No documents or identification
• No safe place to live
4. Is the child afraid, injured, or showing distress?
Examples:
• Signs of abuse or neglect
• Fear of speaking
• Visible injuries or poor health
5. Does the child face additional barriers or discrimination?
Examples:
• Minority identity
• Disability
• Gender identity or expression
• Migration or refugee status
Key Operational Rule
If one or more of these indicators is present, the child may be in a vulnerable situation and requires additional attention and protection from police.
Trainer Explanation
The Vulnerability Lens reminds police officers that:
✔ Vulnerability is not always visible
✔ Different risks can overlap
✔ The same child may face multiple vulnerabilities
Police should therefore focus on risk factors rather than labels.
