Abuse and Neglect Disclosures: A Guide to Responsible Action
By Michelle LaRowe
Discovering that someone has disclosed abuse or neglect to you can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. Feelings of betrayal, self-doubt, guilt, and anger may be experienced and for individuals who have a history of trauma, learning of a disclosure of abuse or neglect can be devastating. Your response plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and the well-being of yourself and those you care for.
1. Remember your role. When someone discloses information to you, you may want to figure out if the information is true or not before acting. As a reporter, your role is to report; it is up to the proper authorities to determine if the report is supported or not and if a crime has occurred. While the classification of nannies as mandated reporters varies from state to state and can be debated, the moral and ethical obligation of nannies to report suspected abuse or neglect of child cannot. Read this article on Mandating Reporting for Nannies here.
2. Report to the appropriate authorities. In cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, you should contact your local child protective services or child welfare agency. The International Nanny Association maintains a list of the appropriate reporting agencies for each state here. Nannies should be familiar with the reporting agency for the state where they work. Many states have a toll-free number where anonymous reports can be made, though in some cases, reports from mandated reporters cannot be made anonymously.
3. Maintain confidentiality. We live in a time where information spreads faster than we can keep up with. When we receive shocking news, this is no exception. Before sharing the information with others, consider your motivation for sharing it. While many people process information by talking it through with others, if your motivation is to gossip or perpetuate a story, you may want to reconsider sharing.
4. Ensure safety of those impacted. If a child is in immediate physical danger or experiencing abuse, take swift action to ensure their safety and contact emergency services. If the child's life is in immediate danger or if they require urgent medical attention, call 911 or the emergency number in your country to report the situation. Provide all necessary details and follow the instructions of the emergency operator.
5. Practice self-care. Whether it’s speaking with a therapist, confiding in a trusted individual, taking a day off, or going to the spa, you must take care of yourself so that you can take care of others. Most states have a mental health hotline for those experiencing crisis. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
6. Be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect. As a childcare provider, you must be familiar with the signs of abuse and neglect. From recognizing the signs and symptoms to learning how to report suspected abuse and neglect The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides extensive resources on this topic. The US Nanny Association also maintains a list of Mandated Reporter State Training Programs.
When someone discloses abuse or neglect, it is essential to handle the situation with care and responsibility. Prioritize safety, be aware of your legal, ethical, and moral obligations, practice self-care, and engage with the appropriate professional resources. By taking these steps, you fulfill your obligations as a trusted childcare professional and an informed and responsible citizen.