the resource project

Welcome

A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

When A Child Discloses Sexual Abuse

The Resource Project is a free Canadian guide created by The Ironwood Project for parents and caregivers whose child has disclosed sexual abuse. It provides evidence-informed information about responding to a disclosure, working with police and child protection, understanding trauma, accessing therapy, navigating Canada's legal system, and supporting a child's recovery.

The Resource Project was created for parents by other parents and survivors who have walked this path without a map. Our goal is to offer you support by providing a guide.

You are here. That’s an important first step.

There is no right way to use The Resource Project.

You can come here to answer one specific question. You can start at the beginning and follow the resource from disclosure, through the next steps, and into what comes later. Or you can read a little, take a break, and come back when you’re ready.

You don’t need to take it all in today.

Start where you need to. Read what is helpful. Come back as often as you need.

It’s up to you.


Take me The Resource Project home page

This was built as a living document. If you have a resource you would like to share, please contact us at:  info@theironwoodproject.ca

Not Sure Where To Start?

Choose the statement that feels closest to where you are right now.

This information reflects 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.

For a complete list of sources, websites, organizations and publications referenced in The Resource Project, please go to our section on References.