Table of Contents
- 1 What actions should you take if a young person discloses harm or abuse?
- 2 What should you do if someone discloses abuse to you?
- 3 How do you respond to an individual disclosing abuse or harm?
- 4 What to do if a child confides in you?
- 5 How do you handle a child disclosure?
- 6 How do you handle disclosures?
- 7 What are the 3 Don’ts when someone discloses abuse to you?
- 8 How to respond to children and young people disclosures of abuse?
- 9 What should you do if a child discloses to you?
What actions should you take if a young person discloses harm or abuse?
When a child discloses abuse:
- Stay calm and listen.
- Go slowly.
- Reassure them that they have not done anything wrong.
- Be supportive.
- Gather essential facts.
- Tell what will happen next.
- Report.
- Make notes.
What should you do if someone discloses abuse to you?
do
- stay calm and listen to them.
- offer them support.
- write down what they tell you using their own words.
- keep any evidence safe.
- get in touch with us or the police.
- dial 999 in an emergency.
How do you respond to an individual disclosing abuse or harm?
Do:
- Stay calm.
- Listen carefully.
- Ask questions for clarification.
- Believe.
- Reassure.
- Inform child you will have to pass information on.
- Record in writing.
- Report to Designated Safeguarding Contact as soon as possible.
What are three Don’ts when someone discloses abuse?
Panic, overreact, be judgmental or make assumptions. Investigate, repeatedly question or ask the individual to repeat the disclosure.
What 3 things should you avoid if a child makes a disclosure?
Don’t make promises that you can’t be sure to keep, e.g. “everything will be all right now”. Reassure the child that they did nothing wrong and that you take what is said seriously. Don’t promise confidentiality – never agree to keep secrets. You have a duty to report your concerns.
What to do if a child confides in you?
What to do when a young person confides in you
- Tip #1: Listen carefully. It’s important to listen to the young person without passing judgment.
- Tip #2: Ask questions. Ask the young person questions about what they’ve shared with you.
- Tip #3: Stay calm.
- Tip #4: Explore solutions.
- Tip #5: Make sure the young person is safe.
How do you handle a child disclosure?
Reassure the child, but only so far as is honest and reliable. Don’t make promises that you can’t be sure to keep, e.g. “everything will be all right now”. Reassure the child that they did nothing wrong and that you take what is said seriously. Don’t promise confidentiality – never agree to keep secrets.
How do you handle disclosures?
During the Disclosure
- Avoid denial. A common reaction to a child’s disclosure is denial.
- Provide a safe environment. Make sure the setting is confidential and comfortable.
- Reassure your child.
- Listen and don’t make assumptions.
- Do not interrogate.
What should you avoid if a child makes a disclosure?
What should you not do if a child makes a disclosure to you?
Don’t:
- Tell the person that you can keep it a secret.
- Panic, overreact, be judgmental or make assumptions.
- Investigate, repeatedly question or ask the individual to repeat the disclosure.
- Discuss the disclosure with people who do not need to know.
What are the 3 Don’ts when someone discloses abuse to you?
How to respond to children and young people disclosures of abuse?
Accept the child or young person will disclose only what is comfortable and recognise the bravery/strength of the child for talking about something that is difficult. Let the child or young person take his or her time. Let the child or young person use his or her own words. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
What should you do if a child discloses to you?
If a child or young person discloses to you, try to follow these steps: Listen carefully to all they say. Let the child use their own words. Be patient and calm. Tell them you believe them and it’s not their fault.
What should you do if you know a child is being abused?
In summary, it is important to: listen to and support the child or young person; reassure the child or young person he or she did the right thing; not make promises you can’t keep; and contact the appropriate authorities.
How to report disclosures of abuse or neglect?
Report to the Designated child protection coordinator Report disclosures of abuse or neglect immediately to the DCPC for follow-up and referral. Express your willingness to help the child through the steps which will follow, if appropriate. 8. Make notes Make notes of all comments.