Some children who need safeguarding from abuse may be vulnerable for specific reasons. They may belong to a community that uses harmful traditional or cultural practices, such as female genital mutilation. They may also be at risk of forced marriage or abuse linked to faith or belief, or face extra-familial abuse through radicalisation, gangs or sexual exploitation.

Innovation Programme projects in this area are supporting the provision of specialist services or interventions which primarily target children who have experienced, or are at risk from, these specific forms of harm. Our aim is to make sure that the conditions for practice are effective, as well as help us to build a picture of what works for children in families affected by these issues.