79 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (continued) 3. Sexual Abuse: includes any sexual contact between an individual and a child/youth regardless of whether the sexual contact occurs by force, coercion, duress, and deception or whether the child/youth understands the sexual nature of the activity. Sexual contact includes sexual penetration, touching, harassment, invitation to sexual touching, sexual acts such as exposure, voyeurism, or sexually exploiting the child/youth by involving the child/youth in the sex trade or pornography. 4. Neglect: the lack of action by a parent in providing for the adequate care and attention of the child/youth’s needs, resulting in harm to the child/youth or substantial risk of harm to the child/youth. WHAT DO I DO IF A CHILD ORYOUTH TELLS ME ABOUTABUSE OR NEGLECT? What you say and do are important to helping the child or youth feel safe and supported. If they tell you they are being neglected or abused, make sure you: • Stay calm and react without shock, disbelief, anger, judgment or fear • Let the child or youth tell you what happened in their own words without interruption • Listen carefully without asking questions • Reassure them that telling someone what happened is the right thing and that what happened is not their fault • Acknowledge how they are feeling (e.g. scared, angry, embarrassed, hurt, sad) • Help them feel comforted and supported by saying things like: • I’m glad you told me • You did the right thing • I believe you and I will support you • It’s not your fault • It’s okay to feel scared, angry and hurt • I will try to help you figure out what happens next Following the disclosure, write down the information and immediately report to CSSD (see contact information below) or your local police. HOW DO I MAKE A REPORT? When making a report, it is helpful to include your name, phone number and relationship to the child or youth, however, you can make an anonymous call if you prefer. During the call, you will be asked questions about the child or youth and their life. It is okay to call even if you do not have all of this information. Some of the questions you may be asked include: • Your immediate concerns about the child or youth’s safety • The child or youth’s location • The child or youth’s name • The child or youth’s age and gender • Information about the family and alleged abuser • Other children who may be at risk because of the situation; and • Any other relevant information. To report concerns of suspected child abuse and/or neglect of a child (under age 16) and/or a youth (ages 16 & 17), please call toll-free 1-833-552-2368 or contact your local police. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I MAKE A REPORTABOUTA CHILD? • CSSD is required by law to investigate whether a child is in need of protective intervention. • When a report is made, a social worker will complete an assessment using comprehensive guidelines. • The social worker will take the necessary steps to protect the child as a result of the investigation. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I MAKE A REPORTABOUTAYOUTH? • CSSD will contact the youth to ask whether they would like to engage in an assessment to determine their need for protective intervention. • The youth must be a voluntary participant for the assessment to occur. WILL I FIND OUTWHAT HAPPENS AFTER I MAKE MY REPORT? • CSSD takes each call very seriously and will assess all information received. For reasons of privacy and confidentiality, you will not be notified regarding the outcome of the assessment. www.gov.nl.ca Thank you for your support
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