About this resource
How a practitioner responds in the first few minutes of a disclosure matters. This guide sets out what to do and what to avoid, how to explain next steps honestly, how to record facts rather than opinions, and how to look after yourself afterwards. It is designed to sit alongside, not replace, your organisation's safeguarding policy.
Purpose
To help practitioners respond calmly and safely to a disclosure, avoid common mistakes and act within their organisation's procedures.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Social workers. Also relevant for community services and case workers, youth workers, disability support workers.
Client or participant group: Practitioners and support workers who may receive disclosures or notice safeguarding concerns.
Practice setting: Any service where practitioners work with children, young people or adults at risk.
Suggested uses
- Induction and refresher training
- Supervision discussions after a disclosure
- Quick reference for new staff
- Reviewing recording practice
Instructions for practitioners
- Know your organisation's safeguarding policy and your legal obligations before you need them.
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
- Listen calmly, without leading questions or investigating.
- Do not promise to keep secrets; explain who you need to tell and why.
- Record facts, using the person's words, as soon as possible.
- Report according to your procedures and any mandatory reporting obligations, and seek supervision.
Accessibility considerations
Practitioners should adapt their communication to the person, including interpreters, communication aids and trusted supporters where appropriate and safe.
Scope and limitations
A practice guide only. It does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policy, child safety requirements or mandatory reporting legislation, which differ across states and territories and between professions.
Higher-risk topic: use only within your training, supervision and organisational procedures.
Research basis
Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk. Trauma-informed practice prioritises safety, trust, choice, collaboration and empowerment, and avoids re-traumatising people.
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- Kezelman, C., & Stavropoulos, P. (2012). Practice guidelines for treatment of complex trauma and trauma informed care and service delivery. Adults Surviving Child Abuse (now Blue Knot Foundation). https://professionals.blueknot.org.au/resources/publications/practice-guidelines/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA's concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach (HHS Publication No. SMA 14-4884). SAMHSA. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/samhsas-concept-trauma-and-guidance-trauma-informed-approach/sma14-4884
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced. Reflects commonly taught principles for responding to disclosures.
