My first week as a Youth Connect worker

Although I’ve worked with families in a supportive role for many years, stepping into the world of child exploitation and children/young people who go missing is a different challenge entirely.

Starting a new job is always a bit disorienting—new faces, new systems, trying to figure out where the kettle is. But nothing quite prepares you for your first week in child exploitation work. It’s a role that throws you straight into the deep end.

The first few days

The first few days were a blur of learning protocols, completing online training, and getting to grips with the role itself—including how to (correctly!) document everything on the system. Then came the part I’d been looking forward to, shadowing colleagues during return home chats with children and young people. These conversations are vital — they help us understand why a young person has gone missing and what support they might need to feel safe.

Meeting families and young people

Before long, I was stepping into those chats on my own. And surprisingly, that’s been the part I’ve enjoyed most. Sitting with families and young people, offering a listening ear and a safe space, and beginning to build trust—it’s in those moments that the purpose of the job really clicks. It's not about ticking boxes; it’s about showing up when it matters most.

The team

I also feel incredibly lucky to have joined a team that’s been more than supportive. From day one, they’ve answered my endless questions, shared their wisdom (and coffee supplies), and made space for me to learn without judgment.

When you’re the new person walking into a demanding role, that kind of team culture makes all the difference.

Before I knew it, that was my first week as a Family Help Worker in the Youth Connect Team completed. Let’s see what the next week brings.

Visit the Cumberland Youth Connect page.

Author: Emma Bedford