How would you deal with a disclosure of child abuse (disclosed by child)?

Question

This is for college

Answer 1

Unless you are the person investigating, DO NOT ask any questions about what happened. This could seriously impact on any evidence that goes to trial, leading questions etc. DO NOT make any judgements on what is true or not, that is not your job!!

Next make it very clear that you will not keep it a secret. If you say it is a secret in an effort to draw out more information and gain the childs trust, their trust will be destroyed again when you go to the relevant people.

Most children disclose abuse because they want it to stop, let them know that abusing children is wrong, whoever is doing and the police need to know.

Once a disclosure had beeen made to you in a professional context you are legally obliged to tell the nominated child protection officer in your organisation, they are the ones who have had the training to take the next step.

in reporting the disclosure your duties are discharged.

Aft you have reported the disclosure DO NOT approach the child to discuss in specific terms how things are going, he/she has likely been drawn into a s**tstorm, but smiles and general gestures of friendship can't hurt.

Answer 2

It really scares me that Debra D and others believe children don't lie about abuse. Children lie (as we all do) and just because they say it doesn't mean it happened. I have been involved in cases in which the child did lie, and this was proved to be the case. So the most important thing is not to lead the disclosure. This can be very difficult to avoid and even professionals with years of experience can lead without realising it.

For example if you were to ask 'did the he/she touch you between the legs' can put the idea that this occurred into the child's mind.

By saying 'tell me about your visit to his/her house' any disclosures are likely to be more reliable, because the suggestion of abuse has not been made.

Obviously this is a hugely complicated and sensitive area, for which an answer in Yahoo can't do justice. But I'd say the key discipline is avoidance of leading.

Answer 3

You don't say what your relationship is to the child, but if you're a teacher or member of staff then you are duty bound to inform the authorities. Certainly, during teacher training a very firm point is made of the legal requirement to inform should a child disclose abuse (also underage sex) - and it's also drummed in that you cannot promise a child that you won't tell anyone what they tell you.

Answer 4

It depends. If you are a teacher, you are not allowed to 'investigate' but you take the facts from the child and write them down...verbatum preferably. Use the actual words that were used by the child..this is important should anything get to court. They then must phone social services where appropriate.

If you are someone who is not connected with any authority, again, try to write down verbatum what the child has said, then phone social services.

If you are part of any other organisation, then find the set procedure to follow.

You should not keep this to yourself. As for issues of trust with the child, in matters like these, you still must report.

If they are in iminent danger, then phone the police.

Hope that helps.

Answer 5

Very good question and now a very good answer.
Discloser when a child tells someone of abuse this even goes for adults they have picked up incrediable stregnth to do this and it does not really matter what happens from there in there eyes or they want is it to stop.
never anyone keep it a secret as the person could be doing this to someone else. see my Web Site: breakingthesilence2006.com

Answer 6

I would get the full facts from the child ,Does the child normally make up stories but of course depending on what questions you ask you will be able to know by the answers given. You need to act promptly not to put this child through anymore suffering.Get in touch with the police NOW.

Answer 7

firstly you would have a child protection policy which would highlight the measures that you should take. firstly it depends on if you were alone when the disclousure was given to you.

you would need to make notes of the names and contact details of everyone involved and never promise to keep a secret as you can't even if you wanted to....

you then need to contact the local child services and give them copies of your notes who will help you in the next steps and or take over the disclousure.

Never let yourself be alone in a room with closed doors. always keep the door open and keep yourself at distance.
dont ask questions, or lead the child just listen and make notes of what they say
do try to encourage them but again do this carful as not to lead them into saying things that didnt actually happen... or the evidance will be dismissed....

mainly you listen and take notes, dont promise anything (E.g. i wont tell anyone or i'll keep your secret) as you cant keep them.
try to get as much information as possible and make your notes carefully without opinion
dont react to what the child tells you even if it makes you realy angry or shocks you as this can stop them talking to you.

good luck hope it helps

Answer 8

First of all keep the child in confidence that you will never disclose the secret.Once the confidence is won then make the child trust you and then try to get the child psychiatric help and counselling.this will help but take it step by step when the child is ready,as the child will take some time to gain that trust it could take months or maybe a year or two so are you prepared to deal with yourself first of all.
Don't rush in for counselling if child is not ready orelse the child will go into nutshell.

Answer 9

Accept the child is telling the truth.
Gently ask them if they want to tell more about the whole situation, or any part of it.
Tell them that they are not to blame and the abuser is wrong.
Do utmost to remove them from a situation where they are likely to get abused again.
Look up counselling - but not sure how to deal with this part.
Confront the abuser, if appropriate.

Answer 10

Children don't lie about sexual abuse and if it's physical abuse or sexual abuse, the child needs to be removed from the home until the situation is investigated.