Responding to Disclosures
A printable version of this article is available for download at the bottom of this page.
What is a disclosure?
A disclosure is where a child makes known an experience of abuse, or an incident not legislatively considered 'okay'.
When will a disclosure occur?
Disclosures are spontaneous and can happen at any time. Incidents of abuse may become evident through a combination of disclosures. A child is most likely to disclose when in a calm & predictable environment; hoping to illicit a calm and predictable response. Disclosures can be raised:
As the abuse is happening
In fragmented disclosures or recollections - indicated verbally or through change of behaviour
Post abuse - including adulthood
The timing of the disclosure will impact what the appropriate response it.
“Your response can have a great impact on the child or young person’s ability to seek further help and recover from trauma.
”
Frequently asked questions about disclosures
As a carer do I have a legal obligation to report a disclosure?
Under the Code of Conduct for Authorised Foster, Relative and Kinship Carers, carers are to ‘immediately report to their designated agency any allegations or incidents of abuse, neglect or ill-treatment they are aware of'.
How do I respond to a disclosure?
Most young people will only disclose to someone they trust. Trust is essential to a well-managed disclosure.
Quietly listen
Acknowledge feelings
Reassure the child that you are glad they told you
I think my child is going to disclose, what should I do?
Stay alert, a disclosure can come about in a variety of forms; particularly when children are non-verbal. Keep notes of what your child has said - in the words of the child. This is important as the terminology of children can differ to our own.
If in doubt, always be available to listen. Don't dismiss possible disclosures, and contact your caseworker who will advise if a report should be made.
Signs of historic abuse and neglect
Challenging behaviours
Distrust of adults
Low self - esteem
Social withdrawal
Bed wetting
Being overly obedient and trying hard to please care giver
Appearing ' accident prone '
Alcohol or drug use
Suicidal tendencies or ideation
Avoidance
Creating art or stories about abuse
Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviours for developmental age
Malnutrition, frequent hunger or, hoarding of food
Poor hygiene
Frequent school absence
Lack of supervision for long periods
Frequent illness, injury or severe nappy rash
Developmental milestones are not being met , without reason
What hinders disclosure?
Shame and embarrassment
Feeling responsible for the abuse
Fear of not being believed
Fear of negative consequences
Normality of abuse
Mistrust of adults
Lack of confidentiality
No one to disclose to
Communication or vocabulary barriers
Retraction: withdrawal of the disclosure
Stigmatisation
Taking care
Don't dismiss a child's disclosure, even if you believe it is not true
Don't ask leading questions - don't counsel the child. This could change how the child encodes this memory
Don't replace words - listen to what has been said and transcribe this
Don't attempt to confront the perpetrator. This will be the last person to know if allegations have been made
You can't promise you can't tell anyone; allegations of abuse are mandatory to report. Have a conversation about keeping that child and other children safe.
Integrating Self Care
As a carer, self - care should be a part of our lifestyle, not something we only cling to in incidents of distress. Good & consistent self care can assist in emotionally preparing for disclosure.
Often, if we have experienced our own trauma, we can be triggered by our child's disclosure. The activation of these memory networks can impact our reaction, such as causing us to become highly emotional. Our reaction should not impact the child's feeling of safety.
