What does the acronym "I CARE" stand for in the context of responding to a child's disclosure of abuse?

The acronym "I CARE" in the context of responding to a child's disclosure of abuse stands for Inform, Calm, Assure, Report, and Encourage. Each component plays a crucial role in how a mandated reporter should effectively support a child who has disclosed abuse.

• "Inform" emphasizes the importance of providing the child with clear and appropriate information about what will happen next, ensuring they understand the process.
• "Calm" refers to the necessity of maintaining a calm demeanor to help the child feel safe and secure during a potentially traumatic situation.

• "Assure" highlights the need to reassure the child that they did the right thing by speaking up, reinforcing their courage and fostering an environment of trust.
• "Report" is the legal obligation mandated reporters have to notify the appropriate authorities about the disclosure of abuse, ensuring that the child receives the necessary protection and support.
• "Encourage" focuses on the positive reinforcement of the child’s ability to speak out and express their feelings, supporting their emotional well-being and ongoing communication.

This understanding of the acronym helps mandated reporters provide a supportive and structured response that is vital for the child’s healing process and the legal requirements of reporting abuse.