NSPCC promotes child safety in minority ethnic communities

The NSPCC (today) launches 'Keeping our children safe'; to promote the safety and wellbeing of children in black and minority ethnic (BME) groups.

The CD Rom training pack was developed by Safe Network - an NSPCC and Children England partnership*. It reaches across language and cultural barriers to help communities including African, Asian, Caribbean and Chinese keep children safe.

The generic training modules and exercises can be tailored and used by those who work or volunteer with ethnic minority communities, parents or family services.

Participants will learn about what children need to fulfil their potential and reflect on traditional practices that may help or harm a child's development. They will understand how child abuse happens in every community, explore the legal rights of children and rights and responsibilities of parents, and look at alternatives to physical punishment. They will discover the roles of professionals and know where to get support.

Individuals may also identify specific issues like drug use, child abuse and gang culture affecting their community. Professionals such as doctors, police officers and others can be invited to discuss the subject in greater detail with communities.

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 be someone to turn to for a vulnerable child by recognising abusive behaviours and acting 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 help them get the help they might need. "

Facilitators can select activities from the pack to develop individual sessions, a series of workshops, a one day event or simply integrate into existing programmes depending on the needs of the audience.

'Keeping our children safe' is free to organisations working in the community and voluntary sector and costs £30 for statutory agencies. The CD ROM is available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, English, Urdu, French on www.safenetwork.org.uk.

Ends
Media office on 020 7825 2533. Out of hours mobile 07976 206 625.
 
Notes to Editors
About the resource: 'Keeping our children safe' CD ROM
Module one features a range of activities that help participants to recall childhood experiences and the way they have affected their opinions on how children are cared for now. Module two features a range of activities that are designed to raise awareness about core aspects of child abuse in a cultural and legal context. Module three features a range of activities that help participants to identify and strengthen practices in the family and community that protect children from harm, and offers guidance on where they can find support.

About the NSPCC
The NSPCC is the leading children's charity specialising in child protection and its vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK's free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people and the NSPCC Helpline for adults concerned about the safety of a child. It helps over 10,000 children and their families every year.

*Safe Network is funded by the Government to keep children safe outside the home. The context for the Safe Network is provided by a range of legislation and guidance, in particular the UN Convention on children's rights, the Children Acts of 1989 and 2004, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act and Working Together.  Safe Network supports the five Every Child Matters outcomes for children and young people, in particular staying safe and enjoy and achieve.