Sometimes We Need Help

Sometimes we need help. It is good to know which trusted adults we can talk to.

A trusted adult is someone who cares about your safety and listens when you need help.

You can ask for help. Asking for help is a strength.

1. WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A TRUSTED ADULT?

A trusted adult may:

☐ Listen to me.

☐ Care about my safety.

☐ Take my worries seriously.

☐ Help me make safe choices.

☐ Get help when I need it.

2. MY TRUSTED ADULTS

Think about the adults you know and trust.

You can choose different kinds of trusted adults. Every child’s trusted-adult network can be different.

Trusted Adult

Where I Can Find Them

How They Can Help

You only need to write names. Do not write phone numbers, addresses, passwords, or other private information.

3. MY HELP CIRCLE

Put ME in the middle. Then write the names of trusted adults around me.

I can write a name or draw a small picture in each space.

4. WHO CAN HELP ME?

For each situation, think of a trusted adult you could talk to.

1. I feel worried about something at school.

Who could I talk to?

2. I am not sure what to do about something that feels unsafe.

Who could I talk to?

3. I am upset and need someone to listen.

Who could I talk to?

4. I need help and cannot solve the problem by myself.

Who could I talk to?

5. WHAT COULD I SAY?

Sometimes it can be hard to know how to start.

Here are some words you can use:

“I need to tell you something.”

“I don’t feel safe about…”

“Can you help me?”

My own words:

I could say:

6. IF MY FIRST ADULT CANNOT HELP

If the first trusted adult cannot help, keep asking another trusted adult until someone listens and helps you.

You can ask more than one trusted adult for help.

Keep asking. You deserve to be listened to and helped.

7. MY SAFETY PROMISE

I will remember:

☐ I can ask for help.

☐ I can tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong.

☐ I do not have to handle a safety problem alone.

8. DRAW YOUR TRUSTED ADULT

Draw one trusted adult you can talk to.

This is optional. You can draw a picture instead of writing a name.

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Remember

Asking for help is a strength.

If you need help, talk to a trusted adult.

For adults: Encourage children to identify several trusted adults rather than relying on only one person. Respect the child’s choice of trusted adults and avoid requiring them to share private information.