How to Talk With Children About Child Abuse [REPOST]

Child Life On Call, host Katie Taylor interviews child abuse prevention advocate Jane Donovan—who also happens to be her mom.

puppet program for abuse prevention to empowering kids with body safety tools, this conversation is full of actionable advice for parents, caregivers, educators, and child life specialists.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or healthcare provider, this episode provides the tools and confidence you need to start meaningful conversations that protect kids and empower them.

⏱️ [00:00] – Introduction: Meet Jane Donovan

⏱️ [03:00] – A Personal Story That Inspired a Mission

Why she dedicated her career to child abuse prevention

A child-friendly space for reporting, healing, and justice How they support kids through forensic interviews and therapy

Why it's not "the talk"—it's ongoing, age-appropriate education Teaching safety in everyday moments without fear

Introducing the "Kids Count Players" puppet show for elementary students Using storytelling and music to make serious topics approachable

How the puppet show helped children disclose abuse Why teachers and counselors praise the program

Tips for keeping kids safe at camp, church, and extracurriculars How to ask youth-serving organizations about their safety policies

Why professionals and caregivers must report suspected abuse How to file a report, even if you're unsure

Teach proper names for body parts Encourage privacy and reinforce their right to say "no" to unwanted contact

📌 Learn about Children's Advocacy Centers: www.cactexas.org 📺 Watch the Kids Count Players on YouTube 🎧 More podcast episodes: childlifepodcast.com

👍 Was this episode helpful? Tag us on social media and share your thoughts. 🎙️ Subscribe & Review: Help others find this essential information by rating and reviewing the podcast. 📩 Contact us: Lyndsey@childlifeoncall.com 📲 Follow on Instagram Listen now and start protecting kids through education and empowerment. The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided.