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 youth 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.
ScoutHelp The BSA offers assistance with counseling to any Scout, former Scout, or family member of any Scout who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting. Individuals can email or call toll free at 855-295-1531.
State Statutes on Child Welfare Reporting requirements for child abuse differ from state to state. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources on a variety of topics, including state statutes on child abuse. This site is not operated by the Boy Scouts of America.
Click here to download the Youth Protection/Membership Infraction Incident Information Form.
Click here to directly enter the Youth Protection/Membership Infraction Incident online
Mandatory Report of Child Abuse:
All persons involved in Scouting shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation, including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.
Steps to Reporting Child Abuse:
Georgia law requires all adult members of youth-serving organizations – including volunteers and staff – to make a good faith report whenever there is a reason to suspect a youth is being abused. If a child disclosed abuse to you, you see signs of abuse, or you have reason to suspect abuse is occurring, you must report it immediately to Division of Family and Children Services. If you discover or suspect abuse:
Ensure the child is in a safe environment. If the child is currently in danger of being abused, call 911 immediately.
As soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after suspicion or disclosure of abuse, report your discovery or suspicion to Division of Family and Children Services by calling 1-855-GA-CHILD.
The Georgia Mandated Reporter Form can help you understand what makes a good report. You can download the form at the bottom of the page.
Notify the Scout Executive or his/her designee. (See contact names/numbers below.)
Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies:
Scouting’s “Barriers to Abuse” outline the policies and practices that must be applied to every interaction between youth and adults. There can be no exceptions to these policies.
Scouting units are responsible for enforcing Youth Protection policies. If you discover a policy violation, report it to the Scout Executive or his/her designee immediately (See contact names/numbers below).
