Sarah — the moment of discovery
Module 06 of 06 — Final Module

After Something Happens

"It happened. Now what?"

Learning Objectives — By the end of this module, you will:
Module Video You Are Not Alone Runway AI · ~10 sec
A mother and daughter. A phone call made calmly. A card on the refrigerator. You will know what to do — because you prepared.
Sarah's Story — The Call She Wasn't Ready For

Three months after completing this course, Lily came to her. Not panicked. Quietly. She sat down at the kitchen table and said: "Mom, something happened and I think I need to tell you."

Sarah's first instinct was to feel her heart drop through the floor. Her second instinct — the one she acted on — was to remember what she'd practiced. She said: "Okay. I'm listening. You did the right thing."

She didn't yell. She didn't take the phone. She didn't say "I told you so." She listened. She took a screenshot. She called the number on the card on their refrigerator. And she held her daughter's hand the whole time.

This is what preparation looks like. Not the absence of crisis — the presence of a plan.

The First 24 Hours — What to Do

If you discover or suspect that your child has been targeted, groomed, or exploited online, your response in the first hours matters enormously — both for your child's wellbeing and for any potential legal action. Here is the correct sequence:

1
Stay Calm. Your Child Is Watching You.
Your reaction in the first moment sets the emotional tone for everything that follows. Your child is a victim — not in trouble. If they see panic or anger directed at them, they will shut down and withhold information. Take a breath. Say "You did the right thing. I'm glad you told me."
2
Do NOT Delete Anything.
This is the most critical step. Do not delete messages, images, or videos. Do not block the account yet. Do not forward explicit images — this is illegal even with protective intent. Take screenshots of everything first: usernames, profile information, message history, timestamps.
3
Secure the Device Without Changing Anything.
Put the device in airplane mode to prevent the contact from deleting messages remotely. Law enforcement will need to collect evidence directly from the device. Do not factory reset, update, or modify the device in any way before authorities have accessed it.
4
Report to Law Enforcement.
Contact your local law enforcement — Watauga County Sheriff or Boone PD — and the NCMEC CyberTipline (1-800-843-5678). You can also call the Know2Protect federal tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW. You do not need to wait or be certain — reporting suspected exploitation is both appropriate and encouraged.
5
Talk to Your Child's School DSO.
The Designated Safety Officer at your child's school is a mandated reporter and a resource. They can help coordinate with counselors, assess peer exposure, and connect you with additional support. You do not need to handle this alone.
6
Focus on Your Child — Not the Device.
Once evidence is secured and reporting is initiated, your most important job is to be present for your child. They may feel ashamed, scared, or responsible. Tell them clearly: "This is not your fault. This person is skilled at manipulating young people. You did nothing wrong."
What NOT to Do

Do not confront the predator directly. Do not send threatening messages. Do not try to expose them on social media. Any direct contact can compromise an investigation and may escalate danger to your child. Let law enforcement handle it. Your job is your child.

Supporting Your Child After Disclosure

How you respond after a child discloses online exploitation determines whether they continue to talk to you — and whether they heal. The research on trauma-informed response is clear on several things:

Believe them immediately and completely. Shame and self-blame are almost universal in child exploitation victims — every message you send that counters this matters. Repeat "this is not your fault" more than you think is necessary.

Do not quiz them about details beyond what they volunteer. Repeated questioning about what happened can retraumatize children. Let professional forensic interviewers and law enforcement handle structured questioning.

Get professional support. Watauga County DSS can connect families with trauma-informed counselors. The AHA Foundation can assist with navigation and referrals. This is not a situation where time heals on its own — professional support makes a significant difference.

Final Assignment
Assignment 06 · Emergency Contact Card
Build Your Card. Print It. Put It on the Refrigerator.
Add your school's DSO contact. Print the card. This is the last thing you'll build in this course — and possibly the most important.
Local Law Enforcement
Watauga County Sheriff
(828) 264-3761
124 Professional Park Dr, Boone
Local Law Enforcement
Boone Police Department
(828) 268-6900
Emergency: 911
National — Child Exploitation
NCMEC CyberTipline
1-800-843-5678
report.cybertip.org
Federal — DHS Know2Protect
Know2Protect Tipline
1-833-591-KNOW (5669)
Available 24/7
Local — Family Support
Watauga County DSS
(828) 265-5312
Child Protective Services
AHA Foundation
Appalachian Hope Academy
info@theproudfootgroup.com
appalachianhope.net

This is the final module. Complete it to unlock your Certificate of Completion.


Module 5
Final Module
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