Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a collective term for procedures, which include the removal of part or all of the external female genitalia for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. The practice is medically unnecessary, extremely painful and has serious health consequences, both at the time when the mutilation is carried out and in later life. The procedure is typically performed on girls aged between 4 and 13, but in some cases it is performed on new-born infants or on young women before marriage or pregnancy.
FGM is considered to be a form of child abuse (it is categorised under the headings of both physical abuse and emotional abuse) as it is illegal and is performed on a child who is unable to resist or give informed consent. It is essential that a referral into either Cumberland Safeguarding Hub is made in accordance with the Multi-Agency Threshold Guidance LINK TO BE UPDATED (including referrals) when a practitioner suspects FGM; where the situation is an emergency, the local police should be contacted immediately.
Also refer to the CSCP Procedures Manual
Millie Kerr, Lead Practitioner for Anti-Racist Practice at Brighton and Hove City Council, has shared some useful guides on how to ask culturally sensitive questions in relation to FGM and what to consider before making a referral to Children’s social care.
FGM Good Practice Guidance and Assessment Tool for Social Workers - (question guide is in appendix 5)
National FGM Centre - Questions to assist FGM Assessment - (questions guide only)
Information to gather for a good referral: Female Genital Mutilation - (for education and other professionals)
A government resource which was developed in response to requests for clearer direction from central government about the safeguarding responsibilities of local authorities. This resource pack has been updated in February 2023 to reflect recent legislative changes, including the:
