Adult ProTip, from a security professional: If a kid tells you, "My parents are gonna kill me / kick my ass / kick me out" for something relatively minor, don't respond with shit like "Really? ;) that sounds a little extreme, don't you think sweetie?" because that shit really does happen.
Instead, respond as though whatever threat they are afraid of is fully valid, and offer whatever you can do to help- ask if they believe they are in danger of being hurt in any way, and work accordingly.
If they're overreacting, they'll usually realize and dial it back, self-correct and begin thinking a bit more rationally.
If they're not overreacting, and the danger is real, then they'll need a level-headed adult in their corner, not another condescending authority figure who doesn't believe them.
sorry about the light mode but this is important also
^^^^^ Also, since it wasn’t in the original post:
Some kids who ARE being abused will backpedal too btw, and minimize things. But investigating gives you a chance to assess, and lets THEM know that there are adults who exist, who- even when they’ve done something wrong- still care about their wellbeing more than they care about punishment
