Police in Northern Ireland made no referrals to the National Referral Mechanism for children arrested during riots in Ballymena last year. The mechanism identifies victims of child criminal exploitation. A third of arrests in Ballymena and other towns totalled 33 children out of 100.

Stakeholder meetings during the June 2025 disorder involved the PSNI and health trusts. Notes from Freedom of Information requests record discussions of possible child criminal exploitation linked to juveniles in the unrest. One meeting noted substantial background in exploitation connected to the number of young participants. Days later another acknowledged violence might result from such exploitation.

At the time police stated they observed people directing young people to commit violence and attack officers. The PSNI noted individuals linked to paramilitary groups present during the disorder. Coordination remained unclear.

A PSNI spokeswoman stated no children from the Ballymena disorder were referred as there was no specific incident of exploitation. The force found no evidence during investigation that children were victims of exploitation by paramilitary or organised criminal groups. Children received referrals to local safeguarding partners including Health and Social Care Trusts where appropriate.

Megan Phair of Invisible Traffick said criminal and paramilitary groups exploit children during disorder. She noted young people may not recognise their own exploitation. Phair referenced community reports of children bussed to Ballymena disorder.

John O’Doherty, CEO of Children’s Law Centre, said children in Northern Ireland face coercion by adults into criminal acts during disorder. He stated lack of referrals fails to match reality.

A Criminal Justice Inspectorate report this year found responses to child criminal exploitation inconsistent and inadequate. No agency including the Department of Justice holds data on its extent. Legislation since 2015 offers a statutory defence for exploited children committing offences but it has never been used in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland saw ten referrals of UK or Irish male children to the mechanism in 2025, two from police. Between 2014 and 2024 there were none. Recent initiatives include training, awareness sessions, a data action plan and a pilot scheme to identify victims faster.