Child Sexual Exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that occurs in all settings across Wales. Health professionals have a responsibility to identify and refer children and young people who may be at risk of CSE and play a key role is supporting vulnerable young people. Given the consequences for the physical and mental health of some of the children and young people who have been sexually exploited, CSE constitutes a major public health concern necessitating a systematic approach to prevention and intervention across NHS Wales.
 
Multiagency guidance describes the role of health professional and the CSE Prevention Strategy for the NHS in Wales 2016-19 has been published to further define the role of health organisations.

Welsh Government have produced guidance for organisations on how to protect children at risk of child sexual exploitation. The guidance is issued under section 28 of the Children Act 2004 and section 139 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

CSE Prevention Strategy for the NHS in Wales 2016-19

Welsh Government Guidance on Safeguarding children from Child Sexual Exploitation

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (sometimes referred to as female circumcision) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and the Serious Crime Act 2015 and it is mandatory for staff in the NHS to report all cases in children (under 18s) to the Police via telephone number 101, staff are supported in this through the use of the All Wales FGM Pathway.

All Wales FGM Pathway