2012

Bernadette Houten, Named Nurse Safeguarding Children (Community), May 2012

I just wanted to contact you to say thank you for your and Mor’s attendance yesterday.

The evaluations were so complimentary and staff were really moved by Mor’s speech. It did exactly what I wanted it to, make people sit up and think but also to reflect and to really understand the importance of the work we do. Staff have all commented on the presentation and really raised the profile of child protection again. (‘This Is Why’ Safeguarding Children Conference, 1st May 2012, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust)

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Short Report (Extract) Student, Community Development Degree Course, April 2012

VCF is a remarkable organisation consisting of just 6 very motivated, informed and passionate workers. The extent and the amount of work, not to mention the importance and necessity of their work is astounding from the little I know through visiting for a few short hours…and they do so much more than what can be covered in this short write up.

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DI Paul Maddocks, Metropolitan Police, Child Abuse Investigation Command, April 2012

I am writing to thank you and your team for your involvement and support during the investigation into the untimely death of Kristy Bamu. As you are aware, on the 5th of March Eric Bikubi and Magali Bamu were sentenced at The Central Criminal Court for Kristy’s murder and received lengthy terms of imprisonment.

This was a protracted and complex investigation in which [VCF team members] played an integral role;  the family were grateful for the assistance and empathy that you provided throughout the trial and I believe that your professional involvement with the victims and witnesses contributed to the successful outcome.

HH Judge Paget made favourable comments on the conduct of the investigation. I therefore pass on his thanks to you and of course, add my own.

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Pierre Bamu, Kristy Bamu’s father, 5 April 2012

“We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Command and in particular, the family liaison officers, who helped and supported us throughout this difficult period. In addition, we would like to thank the Victoria Climbie Foundation which also provided support throughout the trial.”

 

2011

A Father helped by VCF

“It’s been a great support from VCF, they are elite and hopefully remain operating, my children were harmed by the mother, things went wrong and I had to go to court. [VCF] supported and attended 2 trial hearings and I feel blessed that she was there at the hearing. I was given good advice and help from all the staff.”

Click here for full letter (10 Oct 2011)

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Centre for Social Work Research (Tavistock & Portman NHS Trust / University of East London)
Safeguarding Children’s Rights Special Initiative: Final Evaluation Report (2011)

” Their [VCF] work aims to get beyond the ‘presenting problem’ to understand the underlying issues and contexts…”

“In individual cases, the aim is to identify the contexts that are impacting on the family, and this looks for common sense rather than reactive solutions.”

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2010

Local Authority – Legal Department

Independent Assessment
“With regard to the report produced, it has been of great assistance to the parties and to the court in connection with this difficult matter. It is hard to comprehend the nature and impact of belief systems of this nature and your report went a long way to explain the cultural issues involved. In particular, the considered recommendations were a real help and were immediately adopted by the Local Authority and indeed referred to in detail by the Judge in progressing this case”  (September 2010)

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Betty Lynch, Strategic Development Manager, Harrow LSCB

Safeguarding Children Culture & Faith Event
On behalf of the LSCB, I am writing to thank you for your invaluable contribution in being part of the team delivering this training. Sharing with participants your time, experience and expertise makes a significant impact on practice, partnership working and ultimately on the lives of the children and young people we work for. The feedback has been very positive and we look forward to continue working with you! (22 July 2010)

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Julie Penny, Head of Performance, Practice & Policy Safeguarding, Essex

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for attending and holding a seminar at the Partnerships in Safeguarding conference last Tuesday.  Your contribution was extremely important to the message we wanted to communicate to our delegates, and you were a huge part of making the day a success. I had some brilliant feedback from delegates about your seminar, which was a fantastic learning experience for all who attended. It was a great experience for myself and my team to link with you for such an important event, and we look forward to working together again in the future.” (7 April 2010)

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Tim Loughton MP, Shadow Children’s Minister, Victoria Climbié  Final Memorial

 Virtually every decade one poor child becomes the iconic face of child abuse in this country. It was Victoria‘s miserable fate to be that child in 2000 and for 10 years her death has been squarely in the minds of all the many campaigners, politicians, journalists and parents who have tried to make sense of child protection, to analyse it, and to improve it. Today is a day to pay tribute to the efforts and determination of all of those, of all political persuasions and none, who have accepted this challenge to make Britain safer for the most vulnerable people in our society. Few groups deserve higher praise than the Victoria Climbie Foundation itself.

Since 2003 they have campaigned tirelessly to keep child protection at the forefront of political debate, challenging accepted truths, promoting good practice and fostering new ideas. But their work has not been limited to putting pressure on mere politicians. They have offered advice and advocacy for children, parents and carers, support for communities and for statutory agencies. They have tackled the thorny and frightening issue of child abuse linked to witchcraft and have helped strengthen the capacity of African communities in London. And of course, they have funded and built the enduring monument that is the Centre D’ Education Primaire Victoria Adjo Climbie in the Ivory Coast.

On behalf of everyone here today, and of every child who has been helped by your work and of all those who will benefit from the Foundation‘s legacy in the years to come, thank you. You have helped set us on the right path. That path, as you know too well, and has not been easy, nor is it yet.

Click here for full copy of Tim Loughton Keynote Address (25 February 2010)

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Michael Gove, Shadow Secretary for Children, Schools & Families

“That this House notes with sadness that 25 February 2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Victoria Climbié in Haringey and that, had she lived, she would now be 18 years old; welcomes the conference being held on that date in Portcullis House by the Victoria Climbié Foundation; commends and congratulates it on its excellent work over the past decade, particularly the opening of the Foundation’s school in the Ivory Coast and its project work to raise child protection awareness both in the UK and in Africa; and hopes that further lessons will be learnt from the tragic deaths of Victoria and other children.” (23 February 2010)

Link to: UK Parliament Early Day Motion

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Article: A voice for the voiceless 9 Feb 10
MumsRock invited one of the parents, helped by the VCF, to tell their story…
Click here for full article

2009

VCF Volunteer, Sep 2009
My time with the Foundation has bought home the urgent need to have organizations like this in place that push for change in the laws to protect children so we don’t ever have another Victoria in the headlines. If I could walk away with one thing from this experience it would be with hard work, dedication and determination things can be done and people will listen if you believe in what you do.Full Statement: My time as a volunteer with VCF