RFL Safeguarding Resource

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Advice on action to be taken if a child discloses to you
The points below set out general principles to be followed with all
concerns, allegations and disclosures.
If a child informs you directly that he/she, or another child, is concerned
about someone’s behaviour towards them (this is termed a ‘disclosure’)
then:
The person receiving the information should:
• React calmly so as not to frighten or deter the child.
• Believe what the child is telling you.
• Tell the child he/she is not to blame and that he/she
was right to tell.
• Ensure the immediate safety of the child.
• If the child needs immediate medical treatment, take
them to hospital or telephone for an ambulance,
inform doctors of the concerns and make sure that
they know that this is a Safeguarding issue.
• Take what the child says seriously, recognising the
• Keep any questions to the minimum required to
ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what
has been said.
• Do not ask leading questions or make suggestions
about what may have happened.
• Reassure the child but do not make promises of
confidentiality which might not be feasible in the light of
subsequent developments In the event of suspicion of sexual
abuse.
• Do not let the child shower or wash until given
permission to do so by the police as washing can
destroy valuable evidence.
• Before contacting parents ensure that they are not
the perpetrators.
• Where appropriate seek advice immediately from
Children’s Social Care or Police who will advise on the
action to be taken, including advice on contacting
parents, expert advice can also be provided by the
NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or ChildLine on
0800 1111 (both 24 hours).
• Alternatively contact the RFL Safeguarding Team who can make
referrals on your behalf.
• Involve somebody else – if not Children’s Social Care
or Police then the CWO, or the RFL Safeguarding
Manager so that you can begin to protect the child
and gain support for yourself.
• Write down the details of the concern, incident and/or
what the child has disclosed as soon as possible,
including details of who this information has been
shared with and when.