If a Child Comes to You

If a Child Comes to You...

• Your job is to simply report what the child tells you, not to investigate the situation. 

• Attempts to investigate may: 
  • Tip off the perpetrator and cause them to flee or destroy evidence. 
  • Cause a child to retract if they think you don't believe them. 
• Reassure the child that they did the right thing by telling you and they are not to blame 
• Don't promise them that you won't "tell" 
• Tell the child that what you plan to do to help protect them 
• Talk with the child if they need to vent - be ready to listen and be supportive 
• Be respectful of the child's need for, or dislike of touching while trying to comfort them…do so with caution and only with the child's permission 
• Consider helping the child get professional counseling 
• Mandated Reporters are not required by law to tell the parent/caretaker that a report has been made. 
• However, one should keep in mind that parents/caretakers are not always the perpetrators and may not be aware that their child exhibits signs of abuse. 
• Find a place to help with your feelings too. 

 

Age Factors to Consider for Preschool Age Children

• At higher risk for serious injury. 
• Stories are generally truthful. 
• Don't know abuse is serious…their value of right and wrong is based on family behavior. 

Age Factors to Consider for School Age and Teen Children

• More prone to self-report abuse. 
• More aware of "normal" family behavior due to exposure to other families. 
• Tend to be protective of substance abuse parents or caretakers - role reversal. 
• Sexual abuse is often disclosed when family incest interferes with normal teenage relationships. 
• Disclosure of abuse may have a "hidden agenda" such as revenge or anger towards parent or caretaker.