A disclosure is when a person tells you, or shows you, that they have been harmed or are at risk. It may come at an odd time, in a corridor or in a taxi. It can be a few words, a drawing, or a hint. How you respond can change how safe they feel.
What to do: listen, reassure, report
- Stay calm. Show that you are listening. Find a quiet place if you can, but do not delay.
- Listen. Let the person speak in their own words and at their own pace.
- Reassure. Tell them they were right to tell you and that it is not their fault.
- Be honest. Say that you cannot keep it secret and must tell the people who can help. Never promise confidentiality.
- Report. Tell your safeguarding lead the same day, as soon as possible. If a person is in immediate danger, call 999.
- Write it down. Record it as soon as you can.
What not to do
- Do not ask leading questions such as "Did he touch you?" Use open prompts: "Tell me more", "What happened next?"
- Do not investigate, interrogate or ask the person to repeat the story.
- Do not judge, show shock or disbelief, or criticise the person accused.
- Do not promise that everything will be fine.
- Do not confront the person accused or the family, unless your lead tells you to.
- Do not tell colleagues who do not need to know.
Open questions are acceptable, to understand what is said. Detailed questioning is for police and social workers, because careless questions can harm a later investigation.
Adults and consent
An adult with capacity may ask you not to tell. Tell them honestly what you must do. If there is a risk to others, a crime, or a threat to life, you may need to share without consent. Pass this to your safeguarding lead. Consent is covered in lesson 8.
Recording
Good records protect the person, you and your employer. Write on your employer's form, or in the format it uses, as soon as possible and the same day.
Record:
- the date, time and place, and who was there;
- the person's name and age, or date of birth if known;
- what the person said, in their own words, using quotation marks;
- what you saw: injuries, behaviour, how they seemed (facts, not opinions);
- what you said and did, including who you told and when;
- your name, role and signature.
Do not write guesses or labels such as "she is lying" or "he is a liar". Write "He said, '...'". Keep records secure and only share them with those who need them. Do not keep them on a personal phone. Never edit or destroy a record. If you add something later, date and sign it.
Looking after yourself
Disclosures can be upsetting. Speak to your lead or manager afterwards. You are not expected to carry it alone.
Key points
- Listen, reassure, never promise secrecy, report the same day.
- Do not ask leading questions or investigate.
- Record facts, the person's own words, dates and times.
- If someone is in danger now, call 999.