When children learn about body safety and child abuse prevention, it\u2019s a powerful step toward their protection and empowerment. But what happens after the lesson? Kids are naturally curious, imaginative, and often have follow-up questions or stories that may be difficult for adults to navigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you’re a teacher, caregiver, or trusted adult, understanding how to respond appropriately is key. Some statements may simply reflect a child\u2019s natural curiosity, while others might hint at more serious concerns. This guide is here to help you recognize the difference, respond effectively, and take the right steps to ensure every child\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First let’s talk about concerning statements. A concerning statement <\/strong>is a statement, question, or behavior from a child that warrants further assessment to determine the seriousness and nature of the statement, and to ensure the safety of the child. Some (real life) examples of concerning statements include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, let’s talk about disclosures. A disclosure<\/strong> is when a child tells another person that they are being (or have been) neglected or abused sexually, physically, or emotionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you’re calm and able to manage your own emotions before speaking to the child. Children are very sensitive to and impacted by the reactions of adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reassure the child they are NOT in trouble, and find a time and place to talk in private. Here are some things you can say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When speaking to the child, gather minimal facts (see next section) to determine whether additional steps are needed to keep the child safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Disclosures always<\/span> require a ChildLine report.<\/strong> If you have reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, make a ChildLine report within 48 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Gathering minimal facts about a child’s statement or disclosure is an extremely important step in the process. The goal of a minimal facts interview is to gather just enough<\/em> information to determine the current risk to the child and the need for immediate action. This is NOT an investigative interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The moments after a body safety lesson can open the door to important, and sometimes challenging, conversations. As a teacher, caregiver, or trusted adult, your role in these moments is critical. By staying calm, listening carefully, and knowing how to gather minimal facts, you can make a lasting difference in a child\u2019s life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember: responding to a child\u2019s disclosure or concerning statement with care and compassion not only reinforces their trust in you but also ensures they feel seen, heard, and protected. Together, we can create a safer world where children feel empowered to speak up and confident that the adults around them will take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more resources or to learn about how Mission Kids can support you, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out. Every child deserves to feel safe\u2014and we\u2019re here to help make that happen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Helpful information and tips for setting you \u2013 and your children \u2013 up for safety and success.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3976","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
What is a “disclosure?”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What should you do if a child makes a disclosure or concerning statement?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take a moment. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Be reassuring.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Get the (minimal) facts.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
If you have reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect \u2013 report it immediately.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What are “minimal facts?”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Examples of minimal facts:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Do: ask simple, open-ended questions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Don’t: ask leading or judging questions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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