We have developed guidance for Social Workers that takes them from how to review the referral, a question guide for reviewing the referral, an online FGM assessment tool and next steps pathways. The guidance is part of our FGM Assessment Tool, click on read more to access the online Tool.
Country: England and Wales
What is FGM? (Leaflet)
This leaflet has been created by the National FGM Centre to help educate professionals and families on Female Genital Mutilation. Topics include what FGM is, the consequences and what to do if you are worried.
Provision for confirming suspected FGM in children
Confirmation that FGM has been carried out may be required as part of a safeguarding or criminal investigation and a timely appointment should be arranged for a physical examination as soon as possible.
The Children in Need Census 2016/17
This report from the Department for Education, contains information regarding children referred to and assessed by children’s social services for the year ending 31 March 2017. This includes cases where FGM and Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief were identified.
FGM Protection Order Leaflet
This leaflet explores what FGM Protection Orders are, who can apply and how they can be used. This resource is aimed at families, but can be useful for professionals who want to know more about FGMPO’s.
FGM Medical Examination: Animation
This animation has been developed to help prepare a girl who is due to undergo an examination. The animation follows the story of Lisa, exploring what happens at different stages and prompts for the child to ask questions.
This booklet has been designed to be used by social workers with children.
FGM Medical Examination: Good Practice
This booklet has been designed to share good practice around the medical examination required to determine whether a girl has undergone FGM or not, and facilitate conversation with parent(s)/ carer(s) and professionals.
This booklet has been designed to be used by social workers with parent(s)/carer(s) and other professionals.
My Body, My Rules – Information about FGM (leaflet)
This leaflet has been produced by the Family Planning Association and is aimed at young people. The leaflets covers what FGM is and what young people should do if they are worried about FGM or have undergone FGM already.
Working together to safeguard children
Statutory guidance on inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The statutory framework sets out the legislation relevant to safeguarding and it should be read alongside the statutory guidance. Statutory guidance is issued by law; you must follow it unless there’s a good reason not to.
Practice Reflection for FGM and Harmful Practices
This tool is to be used by social workers when reflecting on FGM and other harmful practices (e.g breast flattening or child abuse linked to faith or belief) cases. Social workers should use this tool to reflect on their practice throughout a case. Social workers should aim to use this tool prior to supervision with their manager, and on an ongoing basis to then discuss within regular supervisions.