Responding to a disclosure

Listen to the child and keep calm. 
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Don’t question the child. Investigators are trained to ask the right questions and get the information they need in the best way possible.
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Write down what the child says and your observations.

Be honest and don’t make promises to the child that you may not be able to keep ("The offender will go to jail" or "You will never have to see them again.").
 
Don’t confront the suspected offender.
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Report what happened. Call the DHHS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-452-1999. Contact local law enforcement where the incident occurred.
The CAC model has brought professionals together to work in a better way for families."
         -Pam Mayo-Watson,                     Child Protective Services

Reporting abuse can seem difficult, but it's important. You may be the person who changes a child's life.
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​262 Harlow Street 
Bangor, ME 04401
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207-974-2469
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The Penquis CAC is a proud member of the National Children's Alliance.
Penquis Children's Advocacy Center is funded in part by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, the Heart of Maine United Way, and your generous public and private  donations. 
It is the policy of Penquis Children's Advocacy Center that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, religious belief, political affiliation or belief, age, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law, be discriminated against in access to its services or the provision of services.

Any person who believes that they have been subject to discrimination may file a complaint directly to the Compliance Officer, Maine Human Rights Commission, or the US Department of Justice. Contact information below:

Compliance Officer                                                                           Maine Human Rights Commission                                                US Department of Justice      
262 Harlow St.                                                                                    19 Union St.                                                                                        950 Pennsylvania Ave.
Bangor, ME 04401                                                                             Augusta, ME 04330                                                                          Washington, DC 20530
(207) 973-3500                                                                                  (207) 624-6290                                                                                 (202) 514-4609