The Care Model

Youth in your life need you to show CARE.

The CARE Model is for adults in a position of professional authority and/or trust, such as a teacher, administrative leader, parent, caregiver or kin who has received a disclosure of peer-to-peer sexual harassment or sexual assault from a student in high school. It is a support-first approach to responding to harm developed with social workers, educators, students, parents and caregivers.

What are the steps of the CARE model

The CARE Model infographic explaining steps for adults in positions of trust to handle disclosures of peer-to-peer sexual harassment or assault in high school, including steps to center the student, acknowledge roles, refer to resources, and extend care.

  • Take a breath. Ground yourself before you respond. Your calm helps them feel safe.

  • Be clear about your responsibilities. You are not their friend. Depending on what they share, you may be required to report.

  • Make them feel safe and heard first. Then connect them to expert support.

  • Disclosures impact you, too. Talk to someone you trust and make time for your own care.

The CARE Model is for adults in a position of professional authority and/or trust, such as a teacher, administrative leader, parent, caregiver or kin who has received a disclosure of peer-to-peer sexual harassment or sexual assault from a student in high school.