DISCLOSURES

2. Confidentiality
Notes:

 

Maintain confidentiality.

  • If you sense they are about to disclose then try where possible to ensure other children are not around or steer the child away whilst you are talking.
  • Allow them to talk if that’s what they need for reassurance but
    • Protect them from sharing the information with too many other people.
    • Divert other adults and children from asking “what’s wrong”.
    • Remove the child to somewhere more private if necessary.
  • Do not in any way tell the child to keep it a secret or keep it to themselves, or not tell anyone. 
  • Remember, if any other child heard the disclosure, then you need to advise their parents accordingly - but you can do so without mentioning names or details. 
Information:

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Tip No 2 - Maintain confidentiality

Now as you heard Emily inching towards the disclosure, you might have sensed where she was going and gently steered her away from Noah or the other kids as you talked. If not, then now’s the time to do that.

Remember, if Noah did hear that conversation then you will need to let Noah’s parents know what took place so they can be prepared in case he asks questions or they need to provide him with some reassurance. At that age if kids hear the world isn’t safe for their friends, then they can become anxious that it’s not safe for them.

But what about adults hearing Emily’s story? Emily may be eager to keep talking to you and she might even want to tell everyone her story now she’s told you about it.

You need to protect her from sharing with too many people and even from sharing too much with you – although don’t risk her thinking you’re not interested.

Divert other adults and children from asking her what’s wrong, take her out of the situation if that helps, and continue to reassure her.

Do not in any way tell her to keep it a secret or keep it to herself.