Practical guidance, warning signs, and vetted resources to help parents, schools, and communities prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.

The Safe Toolkit

Toolkit for Parents & Caregivers

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Toolkit for Parents & Caregivers ✶

In this toolkit

For Parents & Caregivers

The problem of Child Sexual Abuse

School-Based Prevention Education

Protecting Your Child

→ If You Suspect Abuse

Parent Advocacy

For Educators & School Leaders

School-Based Prevention Education

Educator Support

Partnering with Parents

If You Suspect Abuse

What to Do & What to Expect

Learning that a child may have experienced sexual abuse can be overwhelming and emotional. The most important thing to know is that you do not need to have proof before taking action. If something feels wrong, trust that instinct. Trained professionals are responsible for assessing the situation and determining next steps — your job is to make sure the child is safe and to connect with the right people.

The sections below will walk you through what to do if you have concerns, how to respond if a child discloses abuse, how to navigate the reporting process, and what to expect from the systems designed to help.

If a child tells you about abuse, how you respond in that moment can have a lasting impact on their healing and willingness to seek further support.

How to Respond to an Abuse Disclosure

If a child tells you about abuse, how you respond in that moment can have a lasting impact on their healing and willingness to seek further support.

A few things to keep in mind after a disclosure:

  • Stay calm. Children often delay or stop disclosing if they sense the adult is overwhelmed or upset.

  • Believe them. Tell your child you are glad they told you and that what happened is not their fault.

  • Do not investigate. Avoid asking detailed questions about what happened — this is the role of trained forensic interviewers. Asking leading questions can unintentionally affect a child's account.

  • Do not promise confidentiality. Be honest that you will need to tell someone who can help.

  • Connect them with support. Contact your school counselor, a Children's Justice Center, or DCFS to get guidance on next steps.

Important Information

The Reporting Process

Reporting suspected child sexual abuse is one of the most important steps you can take to protect a child. Many adults hesitate to report because they are unsure whether their concerns are serious enough or they do not fully understand the process. You do not need proof of abuse to make a report. If you have reasonable suspicion that a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect, it is appropriate to contact the proper authorities. Trained professionals are responsible for assessing the situation and determining next steps.

The resources below explain who is required to report suspected abuse, how and where to make a report, what happens after a report is made, and why reporting plays a critical role in prevention and child safety. Understanding these processes can help caregivers, educators, and community members feel more confident taking action when concerns arise.

Who should report?

In Utah, almost all adults are mandatory reporters of child abuse. You are legally required to report suspected abuse — you do not need permission from an administrator or supervisor before making a report, and you are protected from liability for reports made in good faith.

How and where to report?

Reports can be made to law enforcement, a Children's Justice Center, or directly to DCFS. If you are unsure where to start, the DCFS hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The majority of child sexual abuse material producers and distributors are a parent, guardian, neighbor, or friend.

What to Expect from Safety Agencies

Utah Children’s Justice Center (CJC)

When a disclosure or suspicion of abuse occurs, navigating the legal and investigative process can feel overwhelming for parents and caregivers. The Children's Justice Center (CJC) is a free, specialized public program located throughout Utah that is designed to support families through exactly this process. The primary goal of the CJC is to reduce trauma for the child during the abuse investigation, helping the child feel secure enough to share their experience so that healing can begin as soon as possible.

CJCs bring together law enforcement, DCFS, prosecutors, and mental health professionals in one coordinated setting so families do not have to navigate multiple agencies alone. Services are free to all families.

Utah Division of Child & Family Services

The Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) plays a central role in responding to reports of child sexual abuse. Every report received by DCFS is assessed and a caseworker is assigned to coordinate with law enforcement. In cases involving sexual abuse, DCFS and law enforcement often work closely together through Children's Justice Centers to conduct coordinated forensic interviews, reducing the number of times a child must recount their experience.

DCFS remains the primary point of contact for families throughout the investigation and can connect families with support services while the process unfolds. Throughout the process, it is normal for investigations to take time. Stay in contact with your assigned caseworker and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Navigating Law Enforcement

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Supporting a Child After an Incident

The period following a disclosure or incident of child sexual abuse can be challenging for both children and caregivers. Children heal best when they feel believed, supported, and connected to caring adults. Professional support is an important part of that process — you do not need to navigate this alone.