A path toward support
A child just told me something concerning
A short starting point for parents, relatives, educators, librarians, and other adults. Help the child reach appropriate support without making them manage the response.
In immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe to do so. Choosing any button on this site does not dispatch help or file a report.
Start by listening
“Thank you for telling me. This is not your fault. I’m taking you seriously.”
Stay calm. Avoid leading questions, repeated interviews, or confronting the person involved. Do not promise secrecy or a result you cannot control.
Explain the next step
Use words the child understands: “I may need to involve someone whose job is to help keep children safe.” Listen to fears about retaliation and share those concerns with the appropriate professional.
Follow current reporting duties in your location. Consultation does not replace reporting or emergency response. Do not wait to collect proof.
Reporting informationDuring separation or divorce
Keep safety concerns separate from pressure to support either parent. Let the child use their own words. Do not make them a messenger, investigator, or source of evidence for an adult dispute.
Family support and qualified legal-help routesA starter kit for schools and community spaces
Introduce these resources without inviting public disclosures. Offer an appropriate private route to a trained adult, and follow your organization’s safeguarding procedures.
If providing printed materials, consider whether taking them home could expose a child’s help-seeking. No automatic downloads or public story submissions.
A person to talk with
Childhelp supports children, teens, and adults concerned about a child. These options contact Childhelp, not Luke’s Light. Talking to a counselor is different from filing an official report.
Calls, texts, and websites may leave a record on your device. Use a device you believe is safer if you can. Ask what may need to be shared before explaining.