Public: Recognizing, Responding & Reporting Abuse Training in Bonnyville

Building Confidence to Recognize, Respond to, and Report Abuse

The Recognizing, Responding & Reporting Abuse Training is a practical, half-day workshop designed to help professionals, caregivers, volunteers, and community members recognize signs of abuse, respond safely and supportively to disclosures, and understand their responsibilities when a child or youth may be at risk.

Through discussion, practical examples, and real-world scenarios, participants will build confidence in identifying concerns and knowing what to do next while keeping the safety and wellbeing of children and youth at the centre of their response.

Training Time: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

What You’ll Learn:

• Recognizing different forms of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Identifying physical, behavioural, emotional, and situational indicators of concern.
• Understanding grooming behaviours and boundary violations.
• Responding supportively when a child or youth discloses abuse.
• Understanding consent, age-related considerations, and technology-facilitated abuse.
• Understanding mandatory reporting responsibilities and when a report should be made.
• Knowing how to document concerns and take appropriate next steps.
• Challenging common myths and misconceptions about abuse and disclosure.

Participants will receive a certificate upon completion.

Training Modules

1. Recognizing Abuse & Neglect - Explore different forms of abuse, neglect, grooming, and indicators that may signal a child or youth is experiencing harm.
2. Responding to Disclosures of Harm - Build practical skills for responding calmly, listening without investigation, and supporting a child or youth following a disclosure.
3. Understanding Reporting Mandates - Understand reporting responsibilities, documentation, and the practical steps to take when there is a concern about a child or youth’s safety.

Who Should Attend:

• Educators and school staff
• Childcare and early learning professionals
• Healthcare and social service providers
• Coaches and recreation staff
• Youth-serving organizations
• Volunteers and community leaders
• Caregivers and other adults who work with or support children and youth

Why Attend?

Recognizing abuse is not always straightforward, and knowing how to respond when a child discloses, or when something simply does not seem right, can feel overwhelming.

This training provides clear, practical guidance for navigating those moments. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the signs of abuse, greater confidence responding to disclosures, and a clearer understanding of their reporting responsibilities.

By strengthening the knowledge and confidence of the adults around them, we can help create safer environments where children and youth are heard, supported, and protected.

Facilitators
Ashley Lock 
Rachel Sawchuk