What should a social worker do if a child discloses abuse?

The best course of action when a child discloses abuse is to provide a supportive response and ensure their safety. This approach is essential because the child may be feeling vulnerable and scared, and a supportive response helps to validate their feelings and experiences. Creating a safe environment where the child feels heard and believed is critical in these situations, as it encourages the child to provide any necessary information and reduces further trauma.

Furthermore, ensuring the child's safety means taking immediate steps to protect them from further harm. This may involve notifying appropriate authorities, such as law enforcement or child protective services, who are equipped to handle such disclosures.

Discussing the matter privately with the child's parents could put the child at further risk, as it may lead to retaliation or increased tension at home. Ignoring the disclosure simply because it seems minor dismisses the child's experience and potential needs for support. Questioning the child extensively about the disclosure can be harmful, as it may unintentionally pressure the child or lead them to doubt their own experiences.

Therefore, providing support and ensuring safety not only respects the child's emotional state but also initiates the critical process of intervention and protection.