Children's Services
How do I deal with a child who tells me about abuse?
If a child starts talking to you about the abuse, neglect or mistreatment they are suffering
listen calmly and reassuringly
let them freely recall what is important to them
keep questions neutral - answers to leading questions would not be admissible in court.
don’t give them the impression you don’t believe them.
Remember, you may well be the first person the child has ever spoken to about this. Whether you believe them or not isn’t the issue – if you have any suspicion, report it!
Make a note of the discussion, when and where it happened, who was present and what the child said.
All this information will be useful if the child is interviewed by the police or the Children’s Services Department
Back to the main Child Protection page
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