Working with local communities and faith groups Community Partnership Project based within the Local Authority.

Is the background of worker important? Gender Ethnicity Religion BME factor English language Local authority The personality and knowledge of the worker.

Where are you based The approach is influenced by the organisation in which the worker is based. Mythology: Legendary Children Services. Some communities unable to compartmentalise The issue of trust. Where you are based can determine the extent of the work that can be achieved.

What makes the job easier? Local Safeguarding Children Board. Manager should have power to influence decisions. Partnerships within your own organisation. Working on community issues before your agenda could be discussed. Use tools the community could understand. Provide incentives: crèche, hall, food, travelling cost & managers meeting with the community. Look for other partners working with the community (NSPCC Vietnamese worker, LFB)

Challenges Relying on community and faith groups to have own resources. Working together with colleagues within your own organisation. History of the organisation you are working for. Limited funding.

Community engagement from the communitys perspective Not making assumptions about cultural norms and values. (What is wrong with you) When working with females work with female interpreters. (language barrier) Be respectful and be aware of religious etiquette. Consider the impact on the entire community and not the family. How would intervention benefit the community. How are the authorities in their country viewed.

TIPS for Community engagement True Partnership & Trust Introductions Performance & Planning Services

Question How would you intervene into the Sudanese community to address the issue of child sexual abuse? How would you intervene into the Somali community to address the issue of child sexual abuse?