12. Responding to Disclosures

This section covers what to do when a child tells you something. For operational reporting routes and categories of concern, see §13.

12.1 General Guidance

You do not need to be a children’s worker to report something that concerns you — anyone can do it, even if you are a child yourself. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• Remember that a child’s welfare is paramount.
• Report even minor concerns, as several small issues together may indicate a more serious problem. If you are unsure whether something should be reported, seek guidance from the Regional Safeguarding Representative or National Safeguarding Board.
• Do not discuss the situation with others, except for the person you are reporting to and anyone they agree should be informed.
• Be clear from the outset that you cannot promise complete confidentiality, but explain who the information will be shared with and why.
• Do not discuss allegations with the alleged perpetrator.
• Some children who are experiencing abuse may drop small clues in casual conversation over time. If anything a child says concerns you, even if it is not a direct disclosure, record it accurately and seek advice from the Regional Safeguarding Representative or National Safeguarding Board.

Refer to Appendix 1 of the Safeguarding Policy for the disclosure procedure flowchart.

12.2 Dealing with Disclosures from Children

If a child makes a disclosure, how the volunteer responds is crucial as:

• Their attitude could stop a child telling them something which they may have taken a long time to build the courage to say.
• It can affect the outcome of any future court case/custody case.

The following guidelines are designed to minimise the risk of further trauma to the child and/or compromising any ongoing investigation:

1. Receive

• Show acceptance of what the child says, however unlikely it seems.
• Keep calm, listen, maintain an open mind and accept what is said without judgement.
• Make sure the child feels like they have been taken seriously.

2. Reassure

• Look directly at the child when speaking.
• Reassure the child they were right to tell you. Let the child know what you are going to do next and tell them that you will need to talk to someone whose job it is to keep them safe.
• Remember, even when a child has broken a rule, they are not to blame for the abuse.

3. React

• Listen carefully and patiently until the child has finished speaking. Do not jump to conclusions or make assumptions. Acknowledge their feelings and that it can be hard to talk about.
• Never push for information and do not ask leading questions. Respect that they may not tell you some of the details. Let the child explain in his or her own words what happened.
• Ask open questions like “Is there anything else that you want to tell me?”
• Do not criticise the alleged abuser; the child may love him/her and a reconciliation may be possible.
• Communicate with the child in a way that is appropriate to their age, understanding and preference.
• Be honest: let them know that you will need to tell someone else. Do not make the child repeat what they have told you to another adult.
• Do not discuss the concern with anyone else apart from the Regional Safeguarding Representative or National Safeguarding Board.

4. Record

As soon as possible, write down:

• Date, time, location, format of the information e.g. phone call, letter, direct contact and those present during the disclosure.
• The context and background of the conversation.
• What was said by the child (as much as possible in the child’s own words) and how you responded.
• Record statements and observable things, not your interpretations or assumptions — keep it factual.

All records, including hand written notes, should be kept in a confidential and secure location. This will only be shared in order to safeguard the individual at risk.

Helpful things to say vs. things to avoid