Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

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:

  1. having a robust attendance policy;
  2. ensuring FGM training is provided for Child Protection leads and disseminated training for all staff  dealing with the children;
  3. 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 

  1. The family comes from a community that is known to practice FGM – especially if there are elderly women present.
  2. In conversation, a child/ young person may talk about FGM.
  3. A child/ young person may express anxiety about a special ceremony.
  4. The child/young person may talk or have anxieties about forthcoming visits to their country of origin, in particular in the summer holidays.
  5. 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

  1. Child/ young person has prolonged absence from the Club with noticeable behaviour change – especially after a return from a holiday.
  2. Child/young person spends long periods of time away from activities during the day (frequent trips to toilet).
  3. 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.