How to Respond to a Disclosure

HOW TO RESPOND TO A DISCLOSURE HEARD AND DARE MODELS OF ACTION FOR DISCLOSURE

1. Hear and Honour the youth and the Information they are telling you. Leaders need to support the youth by remaining calm, not reacting with shock or disbelief. It’s also important to simply listen to what the youth is telling you. . . Do not interview or ask detailed questions about the incident.
2. Empathize with the youth. Say “I am sorry this happened to you” and encourage their disclosure. An example of this would be to say “Please tell me what happened”.
3. Affirm the youth by acknowledging their feelings and avoid judgmental statements. Never promise that everything will be instantly okay. Acknowledge that the participant has made a positive choice in telling you, and that he or she has some choices about how you can handle their complaint.
4. Report by referring to company policies and procedures for handling a report of bullying or harassment. This may include completing an incident report, referring a more serious complaint to those in authority, or responding through mediation for a less serious complaint. Remember, your role is to respond to complaints by following the policies and procedures as outlined by TOPP KIDS Out of School Clubs. Communicate these procedures to the participant and allow him or her to make choices where appropriate.
5. Document the disclosure accurately, using the Incident report form, and submit the form to the Support Team (Regional Manager). Responding to disclosures can be emotionally difficult, so determine if you need support from friends, family or TOPP KIDS. Remember to always maintain confidentiality regarding the details of the disclosure.

Non-Verbal Disclosure – Follow the Dare Procedure

1. Document what you have seen or heard accurately. Include dates, times, locations and individuals involved in the incidents. Remain factual – do not draw your own conclusions.
2. Affirm the information by discreetly discussing your concerns with colleagues or others associated with the youth. Consult with local authorities if you are unsure how to respond to the situation. Acknowledge the youth’s feelings and affirm the youth by telling them that they are worthwhile, and it matters that you need to ensure that the youth is safe. Acknowledge to the youth that there may be some choices about handling the report – for example, they may want a parent or adult they trust to support them through the intervention process.
3. Report by referring to TOPP KIDS Out of School Clubs policies and procedures for handling a report of bullying or harassment. This may include completing an incident report, referring a more serious complaint to those in authority, or responding through mediation for a less serious complaint. Remember, your role is to report suspected mistreatment by following the policies and procedures as outlined by TOPP KIDS.
4. Communicate these procedures to the participant and allow him or her to make choices where appropriate.