We are obligated to disclose:
o Physical Abuse
o Sexual Abuse
o Emotional Abuse/Psychological Abuse
o Neglect
These are very serious topics and need to be treated with immense sensitivity and confidentiality.
Make sure everyone in your youth ministry team has read & understood your Diocesan / Parish policies & procedures.
Responding to a potential disclosure
What can I say and do should a disclosure occur?
o It is important for you to remain calm and in control of your feelings if a young person discloses to you. Your role at this point is to support and reassure
o Validate the young person’s belief
o Emphasise that whatever happened was not the young person’s fault
o Acknowledge that it is difficult to talk about such things
o Tell the young person that you will do your best to support and protect them which may include referral to an appropriate agency
o Be available
You will NOT be helping the person if you :
o Make promises you cannot keep, such as promising you will not tell anyone
o Seek details beyond those that the person freely wants to tell you. Your role is to listen, not to conduct an investigation. Beware of asking any direct questions as this may prejudice any subsequent investigation
o Indiscriminately discuss the circumstances with others not directly involved – importance of maintaining confidentiality
Next Steps:
o Don’t decide what to do on your own
o You are a volunteer not a professional
o Make contact with your Parish leadership. They will be best source of guidance and provide support to you
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Training & Support 
