How should disclosures of sexual abuse by a child be handled by professionals in schools?

• A. Interrogate the child to extract details immediately.
• B. Share details with classmates.
• C. Provide a safe, supportive environment, document exactly what was said, report to CPS, and avoid leading questions.
• D. Delay reporting until the next term.

Answer: (C)

When a child discloses sexual abuse, the priority is to keep the child safe, respond with support, document accurately, and follow mandatory reporting procedures. Start by creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where the child feels heard, believed, and not blamed. Acknowledge their courage in sharing and reassure them that they did nothing wrong.

Then document exactly what was said, in the child’s own words if possible, including when and where the disclosure happened and who was present. Record facts neutrally and avoid interpreting or adding details that the child didn’t provide. Avoid leading questions; if you need to clarify, use open-ended, non-suggestive prompts and only to what is necessary to understand the situation.

Next, follow the required reporting steps by contacting the appropriate authorities or designated child protective services channel without delay. Provide the information that is needed for a safety assessment and coordinate with other professionals as required, while maintaining the child’s privacy and minimizing unnecessary people involved.

Delaying reporting, interrogating the child to extract details, or sharing the disclosure with classmates all undermine the child’s safety, violate confidentiality, and can compromise the investigation.