ABSTRACT
This chapter reflects on the particular experience of children aged 10-14 in adoptive, foster and kinship families, who, in addition to coping with changes of care and the loss of family relationships, are encountering intimidation, racism, sexism, homophobia and/or confusion around their gender identity. Additional issues currently manifesting in the field of child protection for some unfortunate children include the experiences of female genital mutilation and forced child marriage. While most grow up to be attracted to the opposite sex, some children have a strong physical and emotional attraction to the same gender. Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as “cutting” or “circumcision”, is a procedure carried out on girls and young women of all ages from infancy on. FGM involves removing all or part of the external genitals for non-medical reasons. Scenic postcards, pastels, crayons, pens and paper, tablet for looking up information; music player or phone, drums, percussion instruments.
