Protocol to Follow if a Child makes a Disclosure

• Never guarantee absolute confidentiality, as Child Protection will always have precedence over any other issues.
• Listen to the child, rather than question him or her directly.
• Offer him / her reassurance without making promises, and take what the child says seriously.
• Allow the child to speak without interruption.
• Accept what is said – it is not your role to investigate or question.
• Do not overreact.
• Alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement.
• Advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on.
• Explain what you have to do and whom you have to tell.
• Record the discussion accurately, as soon as possible after the event.
• Use the child’s words or explanations – do not translate into your own words, in case you have misconstrued what the child was trying to say.
• Report the matter to the manager
• The manager will make an immediate referral to the Local Authority Children’s Social Care Department and co-operate fully in any subsequent investigation.

NB. In some cases this may mean the police or another agency identified by the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Take care not to influence the outcome either through the way you speak to children or by asking questions of children.