SCWA multi-agency forum

SCWA is preparing for a multi-agency forum next month, to take place virtually. The main presentation will be delivered by the Metropolitan Police, who will describe the situation regarding faith-related child abuse in London, predominantly within the diaspora communities of sub-Saharan African nations.

The forum will take place on Monday 5th October from 12-2pm. It will highlight the police and multi-agency safeguarding response to Child Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief (CALFB). The forum will begin with a presentation from Inspector Allen Davis and DS Kate Bridger, the Metropolitan Police Service leads for Project Violet, the strategic response to Child Abuse Linked to Faith and Belief. Allen is the Deputy Chair of the National Working Group on CALFB, a multi-agency strategic forum (supported by the Department of Education) that brings together a wide range of statutory, third sector organisations and academics to provide national governance for this complex issue. Kate is a highly experienced Child Protection Detective who has investigated serious and complex offences committed against children, whilst working on Child Abuse Investigation and Child Murder teams and managing a joint Police and Home Office child safeguarding and trafficking team, Operation Paladin. Kate has also travelled extensively and lived in central and southern Africa.

The forum will address subjects including:

• What do we mean by witchcraft and spirit possession allegations?
• Who is vulnerable to CALFB and why?
• The importance of working in partnership and complying with Child Protection procedures and protocols.
• The impact COVID-19 may have on CALFB.

If you're interested in joining the forum, we'd love to have you with us. Please contact us to register your interest.