FGM Medical Examination Guidance
FGM Medical Examination: Good Practice
What is this resource?
This booklet is designed to share good practices regarding the medical examination required to determine whether a girl has undergone FGM. It also serves as a tool to facilitate conversations with parent(s)/carer(s) and professionals.
The booklet is designed to be used by social workers when working with parent(s)/carer(s) and other professionals.
How do I use this resource?
The National FGM Centre recognises that the University College London Hospital (UCHL) service is a unique example of good practice. Other services available nationally may differ in their service provisions, such as the fact that the majority of other clinics do not offer a play therapist.
The Centre recommends that this booklet be used to:
- Explain in detail what happens during the medical examination in FGM cases
- Encourage a discussion around the medical examination as part of a Section 47 assessment
- Stress that although the UCLH process may be unique, the examination itself (as depicted on page 10) should be consistent across all services
Medical Examination for FGM Booklet
FGM Medical Examination Booklet
Parental Involvement / Fraser Competency
Parent(s)/carer(s) can be present at all stages unless:
- the medical examination is part of a court order, and the judge has prohibited parent(s)/carer(s) from being present
- the girl is deemed Fraser competent and does not wish for her parent(s)/carer(s) to be present
Court Evidence
Professionals should bear in mind that the outcomes of the medical examination may be used as evidence in court, and the health professionals present called to give evidence.
Support from the National FGM Centre
The Centre is able to provide advice and support to professionals working on any FGM cases. You can get in touch directly by email or over the phone. For our contact details click here.
FGM Medical Examination: Animation
What is this resource?
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 animation has been designed to be used by social workers with children.
How do I use this resource?
The Centre recommends that the animation be used to:
- Explain to children what happens during the medical examination
- Encourage the child to ask any questions and explore any worries they may have about the examination
- Highlight that the child is in control and can request for the examination to stop
- Reassure the child they can have a parent/carer with them throughout, if they want
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Why Commission Us?
At the National FGM Centre, we pride ourselves on the quality and care of the services we provide to families, young people, and professionals. If you would be interested in finding out more about the services we offer, head to our ‘Commission Us’ section.
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