Mandatory Reporting- Documenting a disclosure

A disclosure of harm emerges when someone, including a child, tells you about harm that has happened or is likely to happen. When a child discloses that he or she has been abused, it is an opportunity for an adult to provide immediate support and comfort and to assist in protecting the child from the abuse. It is also a chance to help the child connect to professional services that can keep them safe, provide support and facilitate their recovery from trauma. Disclosure is about seeking support and your response can have a great impact on the child or young person's ability to seek further help and recover from the trauma. 
  1. 1

    Remain calm and find a private place to talk

  2. 2

    Not promise to keep a secret

  3. 3

    Tell the child/person they have done the right thing in revealing the information but that they’ll need to tell someone who can help keep the child safe

  4. 4

    Only ask enough questions to confirm the need to report the matter because probing questions could cause distress, confusion and interfere with any later enquiries

  5. 5

    Not attempt to conduct your own investigation or mediate an outcome between the parties involved

  6. 6

    Document as soon as possible so the details are accurately captured

    • time, date and place of the disclosure  
    • ‘word for word’ what happened and what was said, including anything they (the staff member/educator) said and any actions that have been taken
    • date of report and signature