Female GenitalMutilation Policy

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Definition

Female genitalmutilation(FGM)isacollective termforprocedures whichincludethe removalofpart/allexternalfemale genitaliaforculturalorothernon-therapeutic reasons.The practice is notrequiredbyanymajorreligionandismedicallyunnecessary,painfulandhas serious healthconsequences atthe timeitis carriedoutandinlaterlife.The procedure is typicallyperformedon girlsagedbetween4and 13, butis also performedonnewborninfants andonyoungwomenbefore marriage / pregnancy.A numberofgirls die as adirectresultofthe procedure,frombloodloss orinfection.Girlsmaybe circumcisedorgenitallymutilatedillegallybydoctors ortraditionalhealthworkersin theUK,orsentabroadforthe operation.

Review: Every two years

Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………………..Headteacher

Review date: November 2018

Law

There is nowaMandatory ReportingDutythis commenced inOctober 2015.Teachers andCarers mustreportto the police cases where theydiscoverthatanactofFGMappears tohave beencarriedout.Staffshoulddiscuss anysuchcasewiththe school’s designatedsafeguardingleadandinvolve children’s socialcareas appropriate.

Female circumcision,excisionorinfibulation(female genitalmutilation)isillegalinthis countrybythe Female GenitalMutilationAct2003,exceptonspecificphysicalandmentalhealthgrounds. See the Home Office website.Itis anoffence to:

  • Undertake the operation(exceptin specific physicalormentalhealthgrounds)
  • Assistagirlto mutilate herowngenitalia
  • Assistanon-UK personto undertake FGMofaUK nationaloutside UK(exceptin specific physicalormentalhealthgrounds)
  • AssistaUK nationalorpermanentUK residentto undertake FGM ofaUKnationaloutside the UK (except in specific physicalormentalhealthgrounds)

Recognition

A childmaybe consideredatriskifitis knownoldergirlsin the familyhave beensubjectto the procedure.Pre-pubescentgirls 7 to 10are athighestrisk,thoughthe practice has beenreported amongst babies.Suspicions mayariseif afamilyisknownto belongto acommunityinwhichFGMis practicedand ismakingpreparations forthe childto take aholiday,arrangingvaccinations orplanningschoolabsence andthe childmayreferto a'specialprocedure'takingplace.

Indications thatFGMmayhave alreadyoccurredinclude:

  • Prolongedschoolabsence with noticeablebehaviourchange onreturn
  • Bladderandmenstrualproblems
  • Reluctance to receive medicalattentionorparticipatein sport

Response

Anysuspicionof intendedoractualFGMmustbe referredto Children's SocialCare,in accordance withthe ReferralandAssessmentProcedure.Children'sSocialCare,mustinformthe police CAIUatthe earliestopportunityandconveneastrategymeetingwithin2workingdaysif:

  • There is suspicionthatagirloryoungwoman,underthe age ofeighteen,isatrisk ofundergoingthis procedure
  • It is believedthatagirloryoungwomanis atriskofbeingsentabroadforthatpurpose or
  • There are indications thatagirloryoungwomanhas sufferedmutilationorcircumcision
  • A service managerfromthe Children’s SocialCare teamwho has attendedfemale genitalmutilationtrainingorachildprotectionadviser/ seniormanagershouldchairthe StrategyMeeting.Healthproviders orvoluntaryorganisationswithspecific expertiseshouldbeinvited.Alegaladvisorshouldbe invitedorconsultedpriorto themeetingonthe options,whichcouldbe consideredtoprotectachild.Inplanninganyinterventionitisimportantto considerthesignificance ofculturalfactors.FGMis generallyperformedbecause ofthesignificanceithasin terms ofculturalidentity.Anyinterventionismore likelytobe successful ifitinvolves workers from, or withadetailedknowledge of,thecommunityconcerned.
  • Underthe ChildrenAct1989,possiblelegalproceedings couldinclude aProhibitedSteps Order(s.8) withorwithoutaSupervisionOrder(s.35).Removalfromhome shouldbe consideredonlyas alastresort. Ifthe childhasalreadysufferedfemale genitalmutilationthe meetingwillneedto considercarefullywhetherto continue enquiries orwhetherto assess theneedforsupportservices.Female genitalmutilation isaone-offeventofphysicalabuse(albeitone thatmayhave grave permanentsexual,physical, andemotionalconsequences),notanactofrepeatedabuse andorganisationalresponses needto recognise this. A2ndstrategymeetingshouldtake place within10workingdays ofthe firstmeeting,withthe same chair.This meetingmustevaluate theinformationcollectedinthe enquiryandrecommendwhetherachildprotectionconference is necessary.A girlwho has alreadybeengenitallymutilatedshouldnotnormallybe the subjectofaconference orthe subjectofaprotectionplanunless additionalconcerns exist,thoughshe shouldbe offeredcounsellingandmedicalhelp.Considerationmusthoweverbe given to anyother female siblingsat risk.

Prevention

Agencies shouldworktogetherto promoteabetterunderstandingofthedamagingconsequences to health(physicalandpsychological) ofFGM.Wherever possibletheaimmustbe to workin partnershipwithparents andfamilies to protectchildrenthroughparents'awareness ofthe harm causedtothe child.

Further Advice

FoundationforWomen's Health,Research Development,

6thFloor

50Eastbourne Terrace,London, W26LX

Tel: 02077252606

Website:

The AfricanWellWomanClinic atCentralMiddlesexHospital,ActonLane,ParkRoyal,NW107NS