HOW TO HELP
if a child comes to you seeking help...
step 1:
LISTEN AND BE COMFORTING
Take a deep breath to yourself, and say to the child "Thank you for telling me this. This makes me worried and I want to make sure I get help so that does not happen anymore. You are really brave to tell me about this."
Your response may be to think and say "this can't be" or quiz the child on the details ...that is not correct. The response you need to focus on is protection and support.
step 2:
GET HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS
If the child is in danger, you must make sure the child is removed from that danger. Call 911.
Ultimately, you are going to need to connect to law enforcement and possibly social services - but it can be helpful to get advice from Child Advocacy Centers (CAC) that can help direct you to the right phone number to call. The CAC can help walk you through the process. Click here to find a Center close to you.
You could also seek assistance from ChildHelp at (1-800) 422-4453
LEARN MORE
The KnowYourThree program offers parents and guardians two fast, free and easy tools that can help you reduce child abuse risk...
1.
Talking about sex with a child can be hard enough, and then adding sexual abuse topics can make it harder. You need a fun conversation starter! For kids 8 to 14, we've made this crazy kid "radio" about a hero dog named Fetch. It is seven minutes. Take a listen - if you like, listen with your child ...and let this open the door to good, regular open conversation. Warning: there are fart jokes.
2.
You've got questions and we have answers.
What if a child approaches you about an abuse situation? (That's the first episode). ...How do you know if your child has been abused? What questions should you ask a daycare? Looking out for children is everyone's responsibility. But with things like child sexual abuse, bullying, and depression lurking around - what red flags should you look for and what precisely should you do? Join Carole Swiecicki, Ph.D. (clinical psychologist and child advocacy center leader), Stafford Green (founder, capelabs - Child Abuse Prevention Education), and expert guests for the critical conversation, leading research, and tools to help us all keep every child safe.
