Reporting Disclosures
All states have laws that require professionals, including teachers, to report allegations of child
abuse. Some states require all adults to report suspected child abuse.
While reporting a disclosure to your supervisor is an important part of the process, it does not
automatically absolve you from the legal responsibility for reporting as mandated by state law. You are
the person with the best information for investigators. Don't take any chances with the trust the
child has placed in you—report the disclosure directly to your state's child protection agency and
let your state's professionals investigate the allegations.
If a child reports that he or she is being sexually abused at home, immediately report the disclosure
to your local police department or other appropriate law enforcement agency (e.g., county sheriff's
department). Call 9-1-1 if that's what it takes to make sure a child is safe from further harm.
Sometimes children will want to attach strings to their disclosure by saying such things, as "I want
to tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell anyone." Remember not to promise to keep a
secret without knowing what the child has to say. If the child shares about abuse, you cannot keep a
promise of silence.
Many adults find reporting difficult. Their fear is that disclosure of something that is not true will
result in unnecessary damage to the reputation of a good person. However, courageous reports from
caring adults have protected many children from terrible situations. As a teacher, you must be willing
to take a stand for children—they are counting on you!
|
| Last Week's Poll
|
Did you hear many stories of child sexual abuse before your organization began its child sexual abuse prevention awareness programs?
|
|
Yes
|
|
|
53.02%
|
|
No
|
|
|
46.98%
|
|
|
Total Votes: 1871
|
|
|
|
