Responding to Disclosures

When a child speaks, we must listen

What is a disclosure?

Disclosing abuse is a brave and vulnerable act. Whether a child shares their experience directly or through subtle signs, how we respond can shape their journey toward safety and healing.

This page offers practical guidance on how to respond with empathy, clarity, and responsibility. You’ll learn what to say, what to avoid, and what steps to take to ensure the child feels supported and protected.

Together, we can create environments where tamariki feel safe to speak, and confident they’ll be heard.

Basic guidelines

Don't panic
Prioritise the child's safety
Listen and believe them
Maintain eye contact, stay composed
Don't interrupt to seek help
Reassure them that they did the right thing
Affirm it's not their fault
Explain that you'll need to tell someone else

Be clear with what happens next
Be aware that they may have been threatened
Record the child’s words accurately
Separate facts from assumptions
Notify your manager or supervisor
Refer to Oranga Tamariki or Police
Seek support for yourself afterward

Allegations of Past Abuse

Take action, even if the abuse happened long ago.

If a child or young person discloses abuse that occurred in the past, it’s still critical to respond. The person involved may still have access to children, and further harm could be prevented by reporting.

What Not to Do

Your response matters, and so does your restraint.

When a child discloses abuse, it’s natural to feel shocked or unsure. But how you respond can either support their safety or unintentionally cause harm. This section outlines what not to do. Actions that could compromise the child’s well-being or interfere with future investigations.