Amendments to the Serious Crime Act 2015, mean that from October it becomes mandatory to report known cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on girls under 18 to the police. The duty applies to all regulated professionals working within health, social care and education in England and Wales. “Known” cases of FGM are those when a child discloses to a professional that she’s had FGM or when a professional observes signs of FGM on a girl’s genitalia.
Document Type: Law, Guidance and Policy
FGM Risk and Safeguarding: Guidance for Health Professionals
Practical help to support NHS organisations developing new safeguarding policies and procedures for female genital mutilation (FGM). It can be used by health professionals from all sectors, particularly designated and named safeguarding leads, and local safeguarding children board members. Based on existing NHS best practice. Includes the Department of Health Risk Assessment Tool and Safeguarding Pathways
Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
GIRFEC is the national approach in Scotland to improving outcomes and supporting the well-being of children and young people by offering the right help at the right time from the right people. It supports them and their parent(s) to work in partnership with the services that can help them.
Addressing FGM in schools: teaching, learning and support (including presentation)
This resource has been developed with the support of the Home Office and Department for International Development. It offers guidance on teaching about FGM as part of the PSHE curriculum. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness among staff about the warning signs of FGM and the responsibilities of school staff in this regard.
WHO guidelines on the management of health complications from FGM
WHO recommendations published in May 2016 aim to help health workers provide better care to the more than 200 million girls and women worldwide living with female genital mutilation. The recommendations focus on preventing and treating obstetric complications; treatment for depression and anxiety disorders; attention to female sexual health such as counselling, and the provision of information and education.
FGM Screening Toolkit for Family Lawyers
Family law organisation Resolution has published a screening toolkit for family lawyers who are working with families that may be affected by FGM. The toolkit provides an assessment guide for professionals including: tips for opening up a conversation and a list of suggested screening questions.
Working with community organisations to end FGM
Working with FGM survivors, communities affected by FGM and grass-roots organisations is vital in the work to end FGM and should be incorporated in all aspects of FGM prevention work.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Practical Guidance for Ealing Schools
This guidance has been produced to promote the practical steps a school can take to make sure that everyone – including pupils, parents and staff – knows about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and can play their role in safeguarding girls and young women from FGM.
Training Toolkit for Professionals Engaging with Minority Ethnic Culture and Faith
Training toolkit aimed at helping professionals to develop effective practices for protecting and promoting the welfare of children living in circumstances which appear to be complex because of their faith, culture or nationality. Topics covered include: female genital mutilation; children with disabilities; forced marriage; domestic violence; sexual exploitation; trafficked children.
Multi-agency statutory guidance on FGM
This multi-agency guidance on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) published in April 2016 should be read and followed by all persons and bodies in England and Wales who are under statutory duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. This document includes guidance on FGM and the law, talking about FGM and risk indicators.