Re: retribution for disclosure

["JD Bennett" <outwest@xxxxxxx>]

The greatest problem I found, from the perception of the child, is that it is the child that is removed from the family structure - to foster placement, kinship or other - as a result of disclosure. It appears to the child that it is they that are punished, by removal, rather than the perp. being removed from the family unit. This is, then, turned against the child as the result of disclosure - the child's own removal - as the retribution suffered and it becomes the threat for future breaking of the family's secrets. To return to the family, children will recant.

Refusal to visit or call becomes a retalitory act upon the child removed for safety. I have witnessed this most frequently in sexual abuse - where it is often a childs disclosure which is the vital link to effective court intervention

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I am trying to assist a Judge in locating information on retribution
to children who disclose abuse, domestic violence etc.  The Judge is
concerned that children may be harmed as a result of disclosing,
especially during the pendency of a dependency court proceeding.
Any leads will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Sandi McLeod
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse & Neglect Info.
mcleods@calib.com