WHAT TO DO IF A CHILD DISCLOSES ABUSE

• Understand that this may be the only time the child has built up courage to tell someone what has happened
• Stop what you are doing and respect the child’s privacy
• Stay calm and re-assuring
• Listen to what they tell you, tell them that whatever the circumstances they are not to blame
• Do not react in a way that may add to the child’s distress
  e.g. anger or shock
• Explain that you cannot promise to keep what the child tells you a secret, you may have to tell someone else
• Do not question the child in depth, do not ask leading questions, i.e. questions that need a “yes” or “no” answer
• Only ask questions to establish exactly what was done and who did it
• Tell the child that you are pleased they decided to tell someone and that they are absolutely right to do so
• Let the child know that you understand how difficult it is to talk about such experiences
• Inform the Team Manager (unless implicated)
• Contact the * Avon Youth League Child Protection Officer without delay
• Do not contact parents until you have received advice
• Make an accurate record of the time and date and exactly what was said

* You will need to replace with the name of your organisation