Sharing Good Practice

1. Sharing Good Practice Waltham Forest experience of developing good practice Kathi Gittens Child Protection Coordinator Children’s Services Local Safeguarding Children Board

2. The Drivers in Waltham Forest • North East London is a culturally diverse area. • African Well Women’s Service - 1999. • The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. • Child Protection legislation and guidance Local Safeguarding Children Board

3. Strategic Development • From Service Delivery • Links with the Metropolitan Police initially Project Violet now Project Azure – specifically FGM • Women’s Service links with International and national links with anti FGM campaigners. Local Safeguarding Children Board

4. The Process • Persistence paid dividends! • A working group was convened with support from the ACPC - 2005. • Cardiff ACPC provide support • Overcoming difficulties Local Safeguarding Children Board

5. Waltham Forest Protocol - Contents • Outlining the context • Providing clarity • Procedures and practice guidelines Local Safeguarding Children Board

6. Waltham Forest Protocol • The appendices contain summaries of good practice guidelines for professionals • Evidence based references • Glossary of terms used in the document Local Safeguarding Children Board

7. Developing good practice • Commitment from key agencies • Identifying a lead agency/post • Existing services – making use of knowledge, experience & skills Local Safeguarding Children Board

8. Developing good practice • Existing initiatives • Awareness raising within the community • Awareness raising and training with professionals Education and working at grass roots is the key to safeguarding girls at risk Local Safeguarding Children Board

9. The Outcomes • Protocol was finally ratified by the Local Safeguarding Children Board - Autumn 2006. www.walthamforest.gov.uk • London Safeguarding Children Board • Waltham Forest LSCB training events Local Safeguarding Children Board