Suggestions for Responding to Disclosure

• Find a private place to talk. Remember that you should be out of hearing distance but within seeing distance of others.
• Do not panic or express shock.
• Express your belief that the child is telling you the truth.
• Use the child’s vocabulary.
• Reassure the child that it is good to tell.
• Reassure the child that it is not his or her fault; he or she is not bad.
• Determine the child’s immediate need for safety.
• Let the child know that you will do your best to protect and support him/her.
• Let the child know what you will do.
• Report to the proper authorities.

If the child discloses during an activity where other children are involved acknowledge the child’s disclosure and continue the activity. Afterward, find a place where you can talk with the child privately, remaining within sight of the rest of the group.

It is your responsibility to report the abuse and set in motion the process for getting the child help. Be supportive of the child. Remember that the safety of the child is your primary concern. You are not to investigate the situation.