Guidance if a child reports that s/he is being abused

Always:

·        Contact Social Services in accordance with Handout 2

·        Stay calm and ensure the child is safe and feels safe

·        Show and tell the child that you are taking what s/he says seriously

·        Reassure the child and stress that s/he is not to blame

·        Be honest, explain you will have to tell someone else

·        Make a note of what the child has said as soon as possible after the event

·        Maintain confidentiality but consult someone else (the person in charge or someone you can trust like the Club Child Protection Adviser or a Club Officer) so you can begin to protect the child and gain support for yourself

Remember:

·        Never rush into actions that may inappropriate

·        Never make promises you cannot keep

·        Never ask inappropriate questions, which may jeopardise any impending investigation

·        Never take sole responsibility

Recording Information

·        When recording information, it is important that the process must concentrate on gathering information about the allegation and not stray into beginning an investigation.

·        Unnecessary interviews with child complainants could prejudice the integrity of evidence that may eventually have to be presented in court.

·        There are particular problems with regard to gaining information from children with limited communication skills.  Care should be taken that appropriate means are used to find out what the allegation is about without “leading” the child.

·        The environment for recording information needs to be considered carefully. Try and ensure that you are in sight of another adult, but that your conversation won’t be overheard.  You also need to be careful about physical contact during an interview because it may not be what the child wants.  The rule is to let the child initiate any actions and to remain positive and supportive throughout.