The Ironwood Project
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the resource project

References

How a Child's Disclosure Can Affect Parents

The Resource Project was developed using current trauma-informed guidance from the Ontario child advocacy centres, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, the Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies, the Canadian Paediatric Society, and peer-reviewed research on child development and recovery following childhood sexual abuse.

Some recommendations have been adapted for clarity and readability. 

The following organizations and publications were referenced in the preparation of this information.

  • BOOST Child & Youth Advocacy Centre. Supporting Children, Youth and Families After Abuse.https://boostforkids.org

  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Trauma and Mental Health.https://www.camh.ca

  • Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). Childhood Sexual Abuse and Disclosure.https://www.inspq.qc.ca

  • McGillivray, C., et al. (2026). Secondary Traumatic Stress in Non-Offending Parents Following Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure. Bond University.

  • National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Resources for Parents and Caregivers Following Trauma.https://www.nctsn.org

  • Willcott-Benoit, C., & Cummings, G. G. (2024). Vicarious Trauma and Post-Traumatic Growth Among Caregivers: A Scoping Review.

  • World Health Organization. Responding to Children and Adolescents Who Have Been Sexually Abused.https://www.who.int
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