Scouting America requires all leaders, volunteers, and staff members nationwide to immediately report any abuse allegation to local law enforcement.
Mandatory reporting 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:
- Ensure the child is in a safe environment
- In cases of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately
- In addition, if the suspected abuse is in the Scout’s home or family, you are required to contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 800-252-5400
- Notify the Scout Executive at 512-617-8613 or [email protected]
We also actively share and encourage the use of our 24/7 Scouts First Helpline (call or text 1-844-726-8871 or by email at [email protected]) to report any suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior.
Scouting America Incident Report
- You also must submit a Scouting America Incident Report
- You will use the “Membership Infraction Incident Reporting Form”
- Once you have completed the form, you must submit it to our council leadership
The form and a portal to submit your completed form are available by clicking the button below:
