By: Emma Konn
If a Child Discloses:
If a child discloses concerning information, it is crucial to respond with care, professionalism, and empathy.
Begin by believing the child. Always ensure that these conversations occur in a private setting—never in the presence of other children, caregivers, or potential defendants. Minimize the number of times the child is interviewed to avoid re-traumatization, and strive to normalize their feelings throughout the interaction.
Pay close attention to your body language and non-verbal cues, as these can significantly impact the child’s comfort level. Avoid expressing negative judgments about potential exploiters, and focus instead on validating the child’s experiences and emotions. Be honest about the reporting process and any necessary next steps, and refrain from making promises that cannot be kept.
Please Do Not:
Do not display shock, disgust, or pity, as these reactions can make the child feel judged or ashamed. Avoid blaming the child, giving unsolicited advice, lecturing, interrupting, or interrogating them.
Refrain from using leading or “why” questions, as these can be confusing or suggest fault. Do not attempt to “rescue” the child. It is also important not to make the child feel responsible for the safety of others or pressure them into reporting through guilt. Never make promises you cannot keep, as this can damage trust and create unrealistic expectations.
How to Respond:
When responding to a child in crisis, your demeanor plays a critical role in shaping their emotional response. Children are more likely to cope effectively when the adults around them remain calm, stable, and composed: you set the tone for their experience.
It is important to embody seven key qualities in these moments: remain calm to provide a sense of safety; be honest to build trust; stay nonjudgmental to create an open environment; show empathy to validate their feelings; offer reassurance to reduce fear and anxiety; be resourceful in guiding them toward appropriate support; and provide encouragement to help them feel empowered and hopeful.
What are Minimal Facts?:
When a child discloses potential abuse or neglect, it is essential to limit the conversation to gathering only minimal facts, just enough information to complete a 51A report. Do not conduct an in-depth interview or probe further details.
Instead, focus on the key elements: who is involved (particularly whether the alleged perpetrator is an immediate caregiver, which may indicate the need for an emergency response), what occurred, where the incident took place (to determine the appropriate jurisdiction), and when it happened (to assess the need for timely evidence collection and possible medical evaluation).
It is critical to avoid asking “why” questions, as they can imply blame or lead the child to feel responsible. Once these minimal facts are obtained, immediately file a 51A report with the Department of Children & Families.
Key Takeaways:
When a child discloses abuse or neglect, professionals should respond with care, empathy, and restraint. Key guidelines include staying calm, believing the child, avoiding judgment, and maintaining honest, supportive communication.
Only minimal facts—who, what, where, and when—should be gathered to complete a 51A report, which must be filed immediately with the Department of Children & Families.
Resources:
Child-At-Risk-Hotline: 1 (800) 792-5200
More Resources for Supporting Children and Families: https://cacofbc.org/support-information/