Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB)

Co-ordinating Child Protection Across

Borders

Presented by: Andy Elvin, CEO of CFAB CFAB is the UK branch of the International Social Service network

CFAB: Where we work Whose Child?

CFAB Services

• Anti child-trafficking work

• Unaccompanied Minors, Asylum seekers

• Children in Care

• Private Fostering

• Children at risk of harm

• Children of Foreign Female Prisoners

• Adoption and Vulnerable Adults

Cross Border Child Protection Issues

• Families fleeing social services

• Childhood sexual exploitation

• Child Trafficking

• Private Fostering

• FGM

• Witchcraft/spirit possession

• Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC)

• Miracle Babies, Smuggling/illegal adoption

• Surrogacy

Child Protection Current cross border issues

• Referrals to CFAB of families fleeing social services has increased 600% in 2013 (20 cases 2012 119 cases 2013)

• Most common destinations are Poland, Lithuania & Spain

• Lack of visa tracking makes children vulnerable to exploitation

• Child protection concerns affected by immigration issues

• Lack of unified approach

What is FGM?

• FGM IS CHILD ABUSE

Defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as:

“All procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”

Background to FGM

FGM is typically carried out between four years old and puberty, although it may be conducted on younger infants and adults. It may take place in a hospital, but is usually performed without anaesthesia by a traditional circumciser using a knife, razor or scissors.

The practice is rooted in gender inequality, cultural identity, ideas about purity, modesty, aesthetics, status and honour, and attempts to control women's sexuality by reducing their sexual desire, thereby promoting chastity and fidelity. In communities that practice it, it is typically supported by both women and men.

FGM Prevalence

• Around 85% of women who undergo FGM experience Types I and II.

• It is mainly practiced in 28 countries in Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern Africa; particularly Egypt and Ethiopia, and in parts of Asia and the Middle East. WHO estimates that there are 140 million victims around the world.

• 2001 study (funded by Department of Health) found that nearly 66,000 women with FGM are living in England and Wales.

• Study also found 21,000 girls under the age of 15 at high risk of FGM

• Latest estimate is 100,000 victims in UK, new study underway.

European approaches

• French have random medicals of girls in school to detect victims, very unlikely to be introduced in the UK

• Dutch have introduced health passport which is a statement opposing FGM and outlining relevant law, UK have piloted this

• UK looking to use existing child protection procedures but work to bring potential victims of FGM within these

Conclusion

• FGM is child abuse, authorities have a duty to investigate.

• Victims will not disclose or come forward, proactive identification is vital.

• Multi-agency approach with Social workers, Midwives, Health Visitors, Police, Schools, CPS and Borders Agency is vital.

Abuse linked to a belief in Spirit possession

• Cases of child abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession or witchcraft are not common however they can lead to extreme physical and emotional abuse and to child deaths. The cases of Victoria Climbie, Kristy Bamu and Patrick Erhabor, whose torso was recovered from the Thames, were all child deaths linked to this belief system.

• Therefore if you believe this issue may be present it is vital to respond as quickly as possible.

• Children believed to be possessed by evil spirits or believed to be witches are at clear and immediate risk of significant harm.

• Very little European level coordination on this issue despite 3 serious cross border cases

What is abuse linked to belief

• The term “belief in spirit possession” (for the purposes of this document) is defined as the belief that an evil force has entered a person and is controlling him or her. Sometimes the term “witch” is used and defined as the belief that a person is able to use an evil force to harm others.

• Other terms you may hear are: Kindoki, ndoki, sorcerers, the spirit world, the evil eye, djinns, black magic, voodoo, obeah, demons.

• The “rituals” used to neutralize the “witch” or rid the victim of the “demon” are commonly known as deliverance, exorcism, and less commonly, healing or “praying for children.”

Legal Context

• Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985.

• Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.

• Crime and Victims Act (DVCVA) 2004, as amended by DVCVA 2012, which creates an offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable adult to die or suffer serious physical harm.

• Children Act 1989.

• Children Act 2004.

• UNCRC.

• Human Rights Act.

• Palermo Protocol

• Brussels II Regulations/ Hague 1996 Convention

Best Interests Determination

• All children have right to family overseas so all overseas relatives must be given proper consideration.

• CFAB believe a joint Immigration/Family Court is ideal forum for decision making

• All separated/unaccompanied children from overseas who come to UK child protection attention should have BID made through this process within 6 months

• Outcome return to appropriate family member/care provider or Care Order to UK LA and ILR

CFAB’s FREE Advice Line

Call 020 7735 8941 Monday to Friday

10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.

www.cfab.org.uk