Tags: mandatory reporting

Public consultation on mandatory reporting on child abuse and neglect

The Government’s proposals for mandatory reporting of child abuse are now open to consultation.

The consultation seeks views on the possible introduction of one of two additional statutory measures: a mandatory reporting duty or a duty to act. It responds to the aims set out in the Serious Crime Act 2015 and tackling child sexual exploitation report, published in March 2015.

Please note the consultation closes at midnight on 13 October 2016.

View the consultation documents

Healthcare professionals required to report FGM to police

From 31 October, healthcare professionals must alert the police if they treat a girl under 18 who has had female genital mutilation (FGM).

muslim girl blurred with red flower denoting FGM

Muslim girl blurred with red flower denoting FGM
© IHV

Mandatory Reporting of Female Genital Mutilation – procedural information

To coincide with the duty coming into effect, the Department of Health has introduced a range of resources to help ensure that healthcare staff are equipped and confident to deal with cases of FGM.

Developed with the support of the NHS, the Royal Colleges and survivors of FGM, the package of support includes:

  • quick guidance for professionals, including a flow-chart that sets out what action health professionals should take
  • a poster for NHS organisations to publicise the duty to their staff
  • training slides
  • video interviews with health professionals
  • a leaflet for staff to give to patients to explain the new duty

These resources will make sure that healthcare professionals are aware of their responsibilities towards girls who come into their care that have had FGM.

Resources explaining healthcare professionals' duty to report cases of female genital mutilation (FGM) in girls under 18.