'Disclosure' vs 'Allegation'

Social Work Sorted breaks down ‘Disclosure’ vs ‘Allegation,’ and explains why it’s so important the two terms are not mixed up...

DISCLOSURE VS ALLEGATION - WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Back in 1987, at a hospital in Cleveland, in the north of England, two doctors began diagnosing cases of sexual abuse in children. To say the process was problematic would be to hugely undermine the detail of the report and the harm that was caused to children and families. Essentially, one of the main findings by Elizabeth Butler-Sloss was: if professionals are referring to an ‘interview’ as a ‘disclosure’ when they are talking to children about abuse, it means they are starting from a position where they assume abuse has occurred.

WHY SHOULD WE SAY ‘ALLEGATION’?

Of course we, as the advocated of their wishes and feelings, have to value what children say. I too have felt the pull of emotion after a child shares their most sensitive information with me. I’ve felt the frustration when what has been said is ripped apart in court when presented as evidence; the disappointment when I have been so sure that a child has been telling the truth.

If we are seen to be stuck in a position of belief, we are ultimately opening ourselves up to criticism. If you automatically believe what someone says, then you automatically discount any other explanations. It’s like saying to the court: ‘I’m closed minded and I don’t consider any other options...so maybe the rest of my evidence isn’t valid?’

WHY ARE WE STILL SAYING ‘DISCLOSURE’?

The word disclosure is still everywhere. Maybe it’s because we work with the police, and in police terms, the word disclosure is used differently.

I think a lot of the time, it’s bad habits. I can say that because it was a bad habit that I once had too. I picked up on how people in my office were talking, and allowed it to feed into how I communicated. We need to be informed and aware, so that we can pick up on it, and make changes.

WHY SHOULD WE STOP?

Let’s use an analogy we’re all currently familiar with. Now, you’ll need to use your imagination because - as far as I’m aware - the family courts do not deal with matters in respect of illegal parties, but let’s imagine for a moment that they do.

In your social work report you state, ‘Tom made a disclosure that Noris had a party.’ The barrister cross examining you cracks their knuckles. ‘Social worker,’ they will say, ‘from the very beginning you worked on the basis that this party absolutely took place. Your views were marred because you were laser-focused on your belief that this party happened. You did not take into consideration the fact that the party may not have happened. You have not been fair in your assessment of the information because, as far as you are concerned, your view is correct. How can we possibly know that you have made a balanced judgement?’

The alternative is this: ‘Tom made an allegation that Noris had a party.’ Immediately you place yourself neutrally. Despite your personal beliefs, you are now demonstrating that you are prepared to consider all the evidence before you give your views. The rest of your evidence is now supported by one simple change in wording. The information you give has credibility because you are showing balance, and so - ultimately - this word can help you advocate for a child or adult that you want to help.

THINGS TO BE MINDFUL OF

If nothing else, this topic demonstrates the power of words. We must always return to how, as social workers, we can build relationships of trust and honesty.

It is so important to talk about the wording of documents with the people that you work with. A survivor of domestic abuse may read the word ‘allegation’ and feel they are not being believed. Take the time to explain why you are using the word.

The people we work with share such sensitive information with us, we need to treat it with care.

You work too hard on your court statements to have it all undermined by a single word.