Child Safety Officer 

How should we respond when a child discloses an issue involving their safety to us as parents? 

You should respond to a disclosure by being calm and listening carefully and non-judgmentally. Let the child tell their story freely and in their own way. Acknowledge how difficult it may have been to disclose and reassure the child or young person that it was the right thing to do.

The role of the person hearing the disclosure is not to interview or gather evidence. This is the responsibility of specially trained individuals.

Immediately after the disclosure, write down and date the comments and statements made by the child using their exact words. Communicate this information to the Strong Families Help Line 1800 000 123.

If you need any more information, please contact either Cassie Miles (Co-Head of Primary - Ulverstone Campus), Bettina Townsend (Head of Secondary - Ulverstone Campus) or myself.  We will gladly sit with you and help you through this process.

Del Polden 

Child Safety Officer - Burnie Campus