Manual on Child Protection for African Parents in the UK

Early on in this manual, Afruca makes clear its stance that “culture and religion should never be a reason to abuse children”. The charity’s document is aimed at African parents in the UK, but the information it contains makes it very useful for both professionals and practitioners.

Many families arriving in this country may experience isolation and poverty, lack family networks and be unaware of support resources available to them. This manual offers practical advice and understanding on child development, keeping children safe, discipline and managing behaviour.

It also offers insight into some African parental beliefs – the concern for educational excellence, as well as a lack of understanding of child development and disability, leading to some parents to believe that their child is possessed by an evil spirit.

These insights could be supplemented by more discussion on witchcraft, as well as the use of children as domestic servants.

For parents, more practical examples could have been provided, or the reader clearly signposted to Afruca’s existing booklets for more information.

In order to maximise its potential, the manual should be used as part of a wider programme with small groups of parents or in one-to-one direct working, rather than just being given out in isolation.

Reviewed by Kay J. Bell, independent safeguarding and management consultant