There are two types of Youth Protection–related reporting procedures all volunteers must follow:
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.
When to use it:
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
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.
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:
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).
Safe Scouting & Operations Director
Office: 770-989-2898
Mobile: 770-596-9056
Director of Safe Scouting & Support
Phone: 770-956-3173
Mobile: 404-378-0985