Female Genital Mutilation
The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 applies. Staff must be aware of the content of the Act.
The Local Authority Social Services Letter LASSL (2004) 4 is also helpful in providing: facts about FGM; its affects; the fact that it is illegal to perform FGM in the UK or to remove a girl or young woman for FGM to be performed elsewhere. There is also information on the frequency of occurrence of FGM and a list of Organisations able to provide information on the cultural background and the signs of FGM having taken place. FGM will be discouraged through multi-disciplinary education programmes. The primary emphasis must be to help families appreciate the serious permanent results of FGM and so choose to reject the practice. Girls who have been genitally mutilated should be offered medical help and counseling.
Staff who suspect that a girl or young woman is at risk of suffering Female Genital Mutilation should act quickly to refer the matter to the Helpdesk Tel: 01952 385700 or the Police (Tel: 0300 333 3000 and ask for the Public Protection Unit). A child protection enquiry will be initiated as defined in "Managing Cases" in these Procedures. The investigation team should include a member of the ethnic group concerned, if this is possible and safeguards and promotes the welfare of the girl or young woman.
Possible legal proceedings can be considered to prevent FGM, such as a Prohibited Steps Order (s8 Children Act 1989). An Emergency Protection Order should only be used if there appears to be an immediate risk of a child being taken out of the country and there is time to obtain the order. In cases where there is no time for such an application, an emergency (999) call to the police should be made.