Early Childhood Education (ECE) NOCTI Practice Exam

Which action is NOT appropriate if a child discloses that they are being abused?

1. Encouraging the child to tell someone

2. Talking to the child's parents

3. Maintaining the child's confidentiality

4. Informing the authorities

The correct answer is: Talking to the child's parents

Talking to the child's parents about the abuse is not an appropriate action to take immediately after a child has disclosed being abused. This is because it can potentially put the child at further risk. The process of handling an abuse disclosure requires sensitivity and adherence to established legal protocols. Engaging the parents could create a situation where the abuser, who may be a parent or another trusted adult, is alerted and can manipulate or intimidate the child, leading to further harm. It's crucial to prioritize the child's safety above all. Instead, the correct steps should involve reporting the situation to the appropriate authorities who are trained to handle such disclosures in a manner that ensures the child's protection while respecting legal requirements. Encouraging the child to speak to someone, maintaining their confidentiality to the extent possible, and informing authorities are all appropriate actions that help ensure a proper response to the disclosure.