More on Safeguarding Children's Rights
News
Launch of Safeguarding Children's Rights evaluation report
London's African communities challenge child abuse
Response to Government consultation
Achievements
- Groups within the initiative have been able to develop understanding of child protection in parts of the community that statutory services find hard to reach.
- Many African-led churches in London have engaged with child protection issues including undertaking training and making positive changes to systems and worship to improve the general safety and well-being of children in their congregations. Through this initiative, CCPAS has trained more than 3,000 pastors and church volunteers from African churches in London since 2007.
- The practices of a minority of 'rogue' churches and pastors are being challenged by African communities. This voice has been strengthened by community-led meetings and training for parents and young people. Over 250 parents and 230 young people have taken part in UKCSAG's activities, and Africa Policy Research Network has run over 300 sessions with community groups.
- Specialist training has improved social work and health practitioners' knowledge and understanding of harmful cultural practices, which is critical to improved identification of abuse linked to spirit possession and witchcraft.So far through this initiative, AFRUCA has trained over 500 practitioners from 14 local authorities. Over 90% of participants felt that the courses have helped to develop improved skills to identify and intervene in families where there are concerns about spirit possession.
- Victoria Climbie Foundation has created a Community Partnership model with Harrow Safeguarding Children Board.
Evaluation
The Centre for Social Work Research (CSWR), a partnership between the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust and the University of East London, was commissioned to undertake the independent evaluation of the Safeguarding Children's Rights special initiative. The evaluation team was led by Professor Stephen Briggs, Director of the CSWR. The evaluation is now complete and the final report is available to download here.
The papers from the conference which launched the evaluation are available from the London Safeguarding Children Board website, who were our partners in the event.
Advisory Group
The Advisory Group to the special initiative is made up of:
Baroness Howarth of Breckland OBE (Chair)
Amma Anane-Agyei, Children's Services, LB Tower Hamlets
Chris Bourlet, Borough Commander, Merton, Metropolitan Police
Christine Christie, Manager, London Safeguarding Children Board
Maggie Baxter, Trust for London Grants Committee
Albert Tucker, Trust for London Grants Committee
The Venerable Peter Delaney, Trust for London Trustee
Representatives of all funded groups
Trust for London staff: Rachael Takens-Milne, supported by Mubin Haq