What to Do if a Child Tells You They Have Been Abused or Neglected
Be aware of your own feelings and remain calm and nonjudgemental
Find a private place to talk with the child
Keep the talk brief
DO
Let the child do the talking
Let the child tell you,in their own words,what happened
Give the child your undivided attention
Ask for clarification if the child uses words that are not familiar
Acknowledge the child's feelings
Take notes and try to report quotes from the child
DO NOT
Interrogate the child
Probe or press for answers
Suggest answers
Interrupt their story
Ask "why" questions
Ask leading questions (such as yes or no questions).
KIDS Place
... a place where hope begins
Disclosure of Abuse
KIDS Place
... a place where hope begins
KIDS Inc. | P.O. Box 693 | Franklin, NC 28744
(828)524-3199