Responding to a Child's Report of Abuse

There are no hard and fast rules that dictate how to respond when a child comes to you and tells you he or she is being abused. Common sense dictates that care must be taken to protect the child and honor the courage it takes to disclose. The following are a few guidelines that may help:

• Remain calm and show concern but try not to act overly alarmed. A child may retract information or stop talking if he or she senses a strong reaction.
• Allow the child to tell his or her story in their own way. Avoid probing or leading questions.
• Let the child know that what happened is not his or her fault.
• Listen without passing judgment. Most children know their abusers and often have confused feelings.
• Do not investigate yourself – DCF and the police are charged with this responsibility.
• Do not make promises you cannot keep.
• Let the child know that you will be talking to other people who may be able to help keep them safe.
• Contact DCF and law enforcement for assistance with safety planning and to file a 51A report.
• Let the child know you will be available if they want to talk again.

Who are mandated reporters?

1. Physicians, medical interns, hospital personnel engaged in the examination, care or treatment of persons
2. Public or private schoolteachers; school
3. nurses and coaches
4. Educational administrators, guidance, family counselors or
5. School attendance officers
6. Allied mental health and licensed human service professionals
7. Drug and alcoholism counselors
8. Daycare and child workers, including any person paid to care for, or work with, a child
9. Probation Officers, Clerk Magistrates of district courts, Parole Officers
10. Foster parents
11. Firefighters, E.M.T.s or Police Officers
12. Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Clinical Social Workers
13. Priests, Rabbis, Clergy Members, Ordained or Licensed Ministers