CFAB is the UK branch of the International Social Service network

1. Children and Families Across Borders (CFAB) Child abuse linked to a belief in Spirit Possession and Witchcraft Training CFAB is the UK branch of the International Social Service network

2. CFAB and International Social Work: Where we Work Whose Child? Over 120 countries

3. Training aims & objectives • Identify children who may be victims or potential victims of this type of abuse • Understand issues of abuse linked to spirit based possession • Understand types of identifying factors for children at risk • Understand issues related to child trafficking into and around the UK

4. Introduction • 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.

5. 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.”

6. What might the abuse look like • "Beating the devil out" (refers to beating) • "Burning the evil out" (refers to burning / scalding) • "Create a way out for the evil" (Cutting) • "Squeeze the life out if the evil" (strangulation / semi strangulation) • "Weaken the evil spirit" (starvation / fasting) • “Stop the evil from spreading to other people” (isolation)

7. Language you may hear parents/carers use about the child: • “The child has something in them” • “The child needs to be fixed” • “We need to send the child home (overseas) to be fixed/treated” • “We cannot help this child here” • “This child is bringing our family bad luck” • “This child is responsible for X”

8. Social Work Response The key is to hold an urgent strategy meeting and launch a S.47 investigation if you see signs that this issue may be present in a referral.

9. Multi agency approach to early intervention is key • There should be a telephone strategy discussion on the day the referral is received and a face to face strategy meeting with key partners within 48 hours of referral. To include: • Children’s Social Care • The child’s school • Health (re current / previous injuries but also to provide information and guidance to carers about medical diagnosis and treatment of a child’s perceived “difference”) • Police • Consider UKBA (if immigration status is a factor). • Consider presence of a community representative / member of charity organization for advice and support

10. Home visits Consider the following questions: • Where does the child sleep? • What conditions does the child live in? • Is he / she treated differently to other children in the household? • Speak to other siblings • Is there an unborn child expected? • Is there any religious literature or literature relating to witchcraft / demon possession? • Information relating to places of worship or details of a pastor / healer?

11. Other issues • Identify any place of worship or community to which the victim and family are connected • If a place of worship/faith leader is implicated in any abuse, consider if any other children are at risk • Consider that once a child is stigmatised, the possibility they will be accused again is HIGH. • Be mindful that police and social workers should not attempt to change the beliefs of the family, this will not be possible. • Concerns for the mental health of a parent / carer including PTSD, depression and schizophrenia.

12. Situation in DRC • 24,000 street children in Kinshasa • 20,000 on street because their parents believe they are possessed • Often branding them possessed is excuse to throw them out due to change in family circumstance e.g. New marriage and new children • Some children subject to severe abuse and may be killed • Statistics on number of children killed because it is believed they are

13. CATSR in Kinshasa

14. Grec – accused of being possessed

15. Case Study - Grec • Grec was living with his Mother and Father until his Mother died • Grec’s father then re-married and his step-mother said he was possessed as he would not obey her • She took him to a local Pastor who tied him to a pole above a fire • He suffered severe burns on his thighs and torso

16. Case Study - Jonas You receive a duty call from a school. In a family of 3 children the eldest child, who is Fathers child from his first marriage, has bruising on his arms and legs. He has said to school friends that he is being sent back to his Father’s country, the DRC. What do you do?

17. Break

18. Child Trafficking Training “All practitioners who come into contact with children in their everyday work need to be able to recognise children who have been trafficked and be competent to act and support and protect these children from harm” DCSF: Safeguarding Children Who May Have Been Trafficked 2007 • Every child from overseas referred to you has potentially been trafficked • Always consider the possibility

19. Key Indicator Movement Exploitation Trafficking

20. How are children brought to the UK? There are two ways a child may enter the UK; either accompanied by adult/s or as unaccompanied minors Accompanied Children • Visitor or temporary visas • With parent or “Aunt” • Overstaying visas • Private fostering Unaccompanied Children • Seeking asylum • May enter illegally • Join family • Many children “disappear”

21. Why Are Children Trafficked? Children may be used for: • Benefit fraud • Sexual exploitation • Domestic servitude • Sweatshop and restaurant work • Credit card fraud • Begging or pick pocketing • Street theft • Tending plants on illegal cannabis farms (police finding 21 a day ) • Drug mules, drug dealing or decoys for adult drug traffickers.

22. Possible indicators a child may have been trafficked • Has entered the country illegally. • Has no passport or other means of identification or false documents • Is excessively afraid of being deported. • Is unable to confirm who is meeting them on arrival. • Possesses money and goods not accounted for. • Receives unexplained/unidentified phone calls whilst in care. • Is withdrawn and refuses to talk. • Shows signs of sexual behaviour or language. • Has gone missing from local authority care. • Is absent from placement with no good reason • Has had their journey or visa arranged by someone other than themselves or their family. • Is being cared for by adult/s who are not their parents. The quality of the relationship between the child and their adult carers is uncertain

23. Private Fostering • 10,000 children from overseas may be privately fostered in the U.K. They are living with a carer who has no parental responsibility for them. • Notification does not work • Ubiquitous “Aunt” • Hidden in plain view • No visa tracking • Issues of status at 18

24. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) The NRM is a framework for identifying victims of human trafficking and ensuring they receive the appropriate care. (Article 10 of the Council of Europe Convention). 2012 - 372 children identified as trafficked The NRM does not provide direct assistance for children as this is already the responsibility of local authority children’s services.

25. Child Trafficking: Current Estimates Numbers of children identified are much lower than actual estimates as so few frontline professionals have heard of the NRM. • 2010 -186 children identified as trafficked • 2011 - 234 children identified as trafficked • 2012 - 372 children identified as trafficked Key Countries outside EU in 2012: • Vietnam 72 children • Nigeria 67 Children • Albania 25 children • In EU Romania, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Bulgaria key countries • Source – UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) 2013

26. First Responders & Competent Authority • The initial referrer is known as the ‘First Responder’ - Authorised agencies, such as the Police, UKBA, Social Services and certain NGOs (NSPCC, Barnardos and Salvation Army) • In the UK, the CAs are the UK Human Trafficking Centre and the UK Border Agency. • The UKHTC deals with referrals from the Police, Local Authorities and Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs). • The UKBA deals with referrals identified as part of the immigration process.

27. Reasonable Grounds • “I suspect but cannot prove” • The Reasonable Grounds decision is based on the information supplied on the referral form. • The CA aims to make this decision within 5 working days of receiving the referral.

28. Child Trafficking: NRM Flow Chart Social Worker makes referral to UKHTC Ask for Review of Decision; Challenge decision by judicial review; Asylum or Human Rights claims considered. Reasonable Grounds decision within 5 days 45 day Reflection and Recovery period UKHTC further investigation Conclusive decision One year renewable residence permit No residence permit

29. Services for Children abused through a belief in witchcraft Children who have been subject to abuse involving this issue are likely to need some of the following services: • Appropriate placement • Counselling • Child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). • Medical services • Family tracing and contact (unless it is not consistent with their welfare)

30. Placements/Accommodation • Foster placements with trained foster carers • Barnardos Specialist Foster Care Placements • ECPAT training for foster carers • Consider cultural needs: Is it appropriate to place child with carers of same cultural background? • Consider placing outside of Local Authority • Bed and Breakfast or Hostels are NEVER appropriate EVER

31. Conclusion • Though rare this form of abuse is very dangerous and will lead to serious physical abuse or even the death of a child • React quickly and thoroughly • Suspend disbelief – this form of abuse is real

32. Useful links • CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS BORDERS www.cfab.org.uk • AFRUCA www.afruca.org • CHURCHES' CHILD PROTECTION ADVISORY SERVICE (CCPAS) www.ccpas.co.uk • VICTORIA CLIMBIÉ FOUNDATION www.victoria-climbie.org.uk • AFRICAN FAMILIES SERVICE http://towerhamlets.talis.com/engage/showrecord/1323502174076 • Government guidelines www.londonscb.gov.uk/files/resources/cpp/spirit_possession_dcsf.pdf

33. CFAB’s FREE Advice Line Call 020 7735 8941 Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. www.cfab.org.uk

34. CFAB Membership Scheme Join today for unlimited access to CFAB’s services for a single annual payment of just £5,000. Benefits include: • Unlimited case consultancy on international cases • Assistance on Hague 1996 and Brussels II matters • Free training sessions Visit our website www.cfab.org.uk/professioanls/membership or email us at: membership@cfab.org.uk