Understanding Cuckooing: A Qualitative Study of Practitioner Perspectives

This report presents a qualitative exploration of cuckooing, a form of criminal exploitation where vulnerable individuals' homes are taken over by drug dealers. Using interviews with practitioners from multiple sectors, the research highlights the complexities in identifying victims, the challenges faced by frontline workers, and the gaps in multi-agency responses. The findings inform recommendations for improving victim support, safeguarding, and law enforcement strategies, ensuring a coordinated approach to tackle cuckooing.