What should you do if a young person tells you they were mistreated by another adult?

• A. Ignore it.
• B. Praise them for disclosing this information and remind them that you must share it with the director.
• C. Deny the disclosure.
• D. Confront the other adult immediately.

Answer: (B)

When a young person shares mistreatment by another adult, respond in a way that validates their courage and keeps them safe, while following your safeguarding procedures. Acknowledge their disclosure, thank them for trusting you, and reassure them that you will act to protect them. Then explain that you must share this information with the director or the designated safeguarding lead so the appropriate safeguarding steps can be taken. This shows that you take their safety seriously and that you have a clear, responsible plan to respond.

It’s important to be explicit about limits of confidentiality: you cannot promise to keep this completely private, because protecting the child requires reporting to the right people and authorities. After sharing with the director, document what was said, note any immediate safety concerns, and follow the agreed-upon steps to support the young person.

Avoid ignoring the disclosure, denying it, or confronting the other adult yourself. Those actions can put the child at greater risk and breach professional boundaries and policies. The goal is to support the child, ensure their safety, and follow proper procedures to address the situation.