Youth Protection – https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
Reporting Procedures for Volunteers
Youth Protection Policy Violations
- Serious Youth Protection policy violations or behaviors that put a youth’s safety at risk must be reported to the Scout executive.
- Alternatively, policy violations may be reported to the Scouts First Helpline when the Scout executive is not available.
- Online reporting is also available at www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
- All persons participating in Scouting programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
- Reports must be made to local law enforcement and child protective services. State law may require additional reporting.
- This reporting duty cannot be delegated to any other person.
- Reporting to the Scout executive or Scouts First Helpline ensures that follow-up can occur for the safety of our Scouts. Scout executives and Scouts First coordinate follow-up actions.
Scouts First Helpline
As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, the BSA has established a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.
1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871)
When to use it:
- Anytime you believe a youth has been harmed or their safety and wellbeing is at risk, and you cannot immediately reach your Scout executive or local council.
- If a Scout is bullied because of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, and local help is unable to resolve the problem.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911.