How should safety planning address what to do when a child tells a grown-up about a possible trauma, but the grown-up does not believe the child's story?

When developing a safety plan for a child who has experienced trauma, it is essential to empower the child to seek support and communicate their needs effectively. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of encouraging the child to continue reaching out to trusted adults until someone takes their concerns seriously and takes appropriate action.

Children may feel vulnerable and intimidated when disclosing traumatic experiences, particularly if initial responses from adults are dismissive or disbelieving. By instructing the child to tell multiple trusted adults, the safety plan validates the child's feelings and experiences and reinforces the importance of persistence in seeking help. This approach not only provides the child with a sense of agency but also increases the likelihood of intervention and support.

In contrast, other options suggest actions that could ultimately discourage the child from seeking necessary help or communicating openly about their trauma. Encouraging the child to stop discussing the trauma, attempt to convince the adult further, or keep the trauma to themselves may lead to silence and isolation, which can exacerbate feelings of guilt, shame, or despair. Therefore, supporting the child to continue voicing their concerns to trusted adults is crucial in a safety plan that aims to ensure their well-being and recovery from trauma.