Page 48 - 1.Felicity Online policies 2021
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Link to the guidance:
Under-age Marriage In England, a young person cannot legally marry until they are 16 years
old (without the consent of their parents or carers) nor have sexual relationships.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) FGM is child abuse and a form of violence against women
and girls, and therefore should be dealt with as part of existing child
safeguarding/protection structures, policies and procedures.
FGM is illegal in the UK. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the practice is illegal under
the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.
Other than in the excepted circumstances, it is an offence for any person (regardless of their
nationality or residence status) to:
perform FGM in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (section 1 of the Act);
assist a girl to carry out FGM on herself in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
(section 2 of the Act); and
Assist (from England, Wales or Northern Ireland) a non-UK person to carry out FGM
outside the UK on a UK national or permanent UK resident (section 3 of the Act).
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Link to the guidance:
Ritualistic Abuse Some faiths believe that spirits and demons can possess people (including
children). What should never be considered is the use of any physical or psychological
violence to get rid of the possessing spirit. This is abusive and will result in the criminal
conviction of those using this form of abuse even if the intention is to help the child.
Sexually Active under Eighteen years old It is acknowledged by those working with young
people that most young people under the age of 18 will have an interest in sex and sexual
relationships. The Protocol for Sexually Active Young People under 18 years old has been
designed to assist those working with children and young people to identify where these
relationships may be abusive, and the children and young people may need the provision of
protection or additional services.
Safeguarding Disabled Children Disabled children have exactly the same human rights to be
safe from abuse and neglect, to be protected from harm and achieve Every Child Matters
outcomes as non-disabled children. Disabled children do however require additional action.
This is because they experience greater risks and ‘created vulnerability’ as a result of
negative attitudes about disabled children and unequal access to services and resources,
and because they may have additional needs relating to physical, sensory, cognitive and/ or
communication impairment (Safeguarding Children, DCSF, July 2009) Felicity’s Fledglings will
ensure that our disabled children are listen too and responded to appropriately where they
7
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/38012
5/MultiAgencyPracticeGuidelinesNov14.pdf
8
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/380125/MultiA
gencyPracticeGuidelinesNov14.pdf

