Child Abuse Identification and Reporting:
Iowa Training for Mandatory Reporters

Dos and Don'ts Regarding Talking with Children about Possible Abuse or Maltreatment

Introduction

Who Are the Mandated Reporters?

Abuse and Neglect/Maltreatment Have Many Presentations

The Disturbing Statistics

Legal Definitions Related to Child Maltreatment

Recognizing Child Abuse

Risk Factors Contributing to Child Abuse and Maltreatment

Protective Factors for Child Abuse and Maltreatment

The Consequences of Child Abuse

Perpetrators of Child Abuse

Dos and Don'ts Regarding Talking with Children about Possible Abuse or Maltreatment

Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment

After the Assessment Process

Child Abuse Prevention Services

Safe Haven for Newborns--Overview of the Safe Haven Act

Conclusion

References

Resources

Take Test

Exit to Menu

Whenever discussing potential abuse with a child, some basic considerations include the following:

Do:

• Find a private place to talk.
• Remain calm.
• Be honest, open and up front with the child.
• Use age-appropriate language.
• Remain supportive to the child.
• Listen to the child.
• Stress that it is NOT the child's fault.
• Report the situation immediately.

Don't:

• Overreact.
• Make judgments
• Make promises
• Interrogate the child or try to investigate. This is especially important in sexual abuse cases.

Continue to Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment