'Keeping Our Children Safe', a training pack developed by the Safe Network, an NSPCC and Children England partnership, is designed to help practitioners overcome language and cultural barriers to help BME groups.
The CD-Rom is broken down into three modules to help those working with ethnic minorities, parents or family services to recognise when a child is being abused.
Module one features activities to help practitioners consider how their childhood experiences have affected their opinions on how children are cared for now. Module two looks at child abuse in a cultural and legal context, with information on traditional practices, the legal rights of children and the responsibilities of parents. The third module is designed to help practitioners identify and strengthen practices in the family and community that protect children from harm, and offers guidance on where to go for support.
NSPCC head of partnerships and representation, John Brownlow, said, 'Child abuse can happen in any culture, and may sometimes be unwittingly fostered through customs and traditions. "Keeping Our Children Safe" will help community members recognise abusive behaviours and act to prevent them.'
Chief executive of the Race Equality Foundation, Ratna Dutt, said, 'I am delighted that Safe Network has produced "Keeping Our Children Safe". Some parents do not get the support that can help them care for their children due to discrimination, language difficulties or lack of awareness about services. This resource breaks down these barriers by reaching out to the communities in their own language to get the help they might need.'
Further information: 'Keeping Our Children Safe' is free to organisations working in the community and voluntary sector and costs £30 for statutory agencies. Visit www.safenetwork.org.uk
