www.DenverCAC.org

Phone: 303.825.3850 2149 Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80211 Fax: 303.825.6087

Tips to reduce chances for false allegations

When working with children who have been hurt within the context of interpersonal

relationships the risk to professionals of being falsely accused is always present. We can never

completely eliminate the risk but we can manage it. Here are some tips to reduce the chances

of being falsely accused:

• Clarify your role and the role of other professionals and expectation of relationships

(Who are you and how can you help?).

• Learn as many specifics as you can about what the child experienced so you can identify

when the child is reacting to a reminder. Look for patterns of anxiety (time of day, time

of year, activities, and locations).

• Don’t force the child into situations that cause them to feel helpless and powerless or

generate high levels of distress.

• Help the child distinguish past from present: Point out that even though situation may

feel the same it is not the same. Validate feelings and differentiate situations.

• Non -verbal communication is as important as verbal communication. Watch for

changes in facial expressions, body posture, tension in body, tone of voice, physical

distance.

• When possible, meet with someone the child feels safe with and stay within line of

sight. (Safety by Association).

• Anticipate that anniversaries, holidays and birthdays may trigger both positive and

negative memories.

• Be self aware- “trust your gut”.

• Document reason for contact, time and place. Who else knew you were having visit?

• Be transparent about your concerns; make them a part of the relationship.

• Maintain your role. Don’t get split off from other professionals by creating a special

relationship. Remember special relationships have different meaning for these children.

• Seek out supervision and consultation on a regular basis, not just when you are in crisis.

Make it be part of your professional practice.

• Validate child’s experiences but don’t confuse them with the truth. Check out

information for yourself before forming conclusions.

• Children trust adults that act like adults not like their friends.