Female Genital Mutilation is a form of child abuse and as such is dealt with under our Child Protection/Safeguarding policy. At Orchard Saturday Club Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and we expect all staff to adhere to and follow these policies.
FGM is the collective name given to a range of procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It has no health benefits and harms girls and women in many ways.
Orchard Saturday Club will work to safeguard children and young people from FGM by:
- having a robust attendance policy;
- ensuring FGM training is provided for Child Protection leads and disseminated training for all staff dealing with the children;
- having FGM discussions (Child Protection lead) with parents of children from practising communities who are at risk;
Indications that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of FGM
- The family comes from a community that is known to practice FGM – especially if there are elderly women present.
- In conversation, a child/ young person may talk about FGM.
- A child/ young person may express anxiety about a special ceremony.
- The child/young person may talk or have anxieties about forthcoming visits to their country of origin, in particular in the summer holidays.
- Parent/Guardian requests permission for authorised absence for overseas travel or you are aware that absence is required for vaccinations.
If a girl has already undergone FGM – and it comes to the attention of any professional – consideration needs to be given to any Child Protection implications e.g. for younger siblings, extended family members and a referral made to Social Care or the Police if appropriate. If we have concerns that our children/ young people are at risk or victims of Female Genital Mutilation then we refer to the South West Child Protection Procedures Guidelines for FGM (www.swcpp.org.uk).
If a child/ young person has undergone FGM this should be seen as a child protection issue and medical assessment and therapeutic services considered at the Strategy Meeting.
Indications that FGM has taken place
- Child/ young person has prolonged absence from the Club with noticeable behaviour change – especially after a return from a holiday.
- Child/young person spends long periods of time away from activities during the day (frequent trips to toilet).
- Absence with repeated urine infections.
Written by Clare Goodyear and Luana Winston July 2017
Adopted by Committee July 2017
Review July 2018 or as required.