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It is normal for caregivers to be overwhelmed after a disclosure of child sexual abuse (CSA). Caregivers might not know what to do or who to turn to for help. We hope this page can help you find what you need.

General Education
​The Children's Safety Partnership has information on preventing CSA and talking to your child about CSA. It also provides general education on CSA, including an FAQ.

Below is our Caregiver Packet, which has information on how to talk to and support your child after CSA. It also has information on resiliency and protective factors, which help shield you from the effects of trauma.

​Managing Difficult Behaviors
Trauma often disrupts a child's mood and behaviors. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to best care for your child when they are displaying behavior problems. See Michigan State University's quick guide to handling difficult behaviors or Child Mind Institute's in-depth guide to handling difficult behaviors. You might also be interested in "Trust-Based Relational Intervention," a trauma-informed way to respond to difficult behaviors in children who have experienced abuse.

Support
Your Family Advocate is a good person to call if you need support. Your Family Advocate will listen to you and help you process your feelings. If it is after-hours, you can call the Sexual Assault Helpline at 1-800-871-7741. The answering service will ask you for your name and county. An advocate will call you back from a blocked number.

Your Family Advocate can make referrals for mental health, legal advocacy, and medical exams. Your Family Advocate can also direct you to resources in your area, like food pantries. Please reach out even if you need something not mentioned here! Your Family Advocate will be able to point you in the right direction.