Youth Protection Reporting Procedures for Volunteers

There are two types of Youth Protection related reporting procedures all volunteers must follow:

• When you witness or suspect any child has been abused or neglected—See “Mandatory Report of Child Abuse” below.
• When you witness a violation of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies—See “Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies” below.

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.

It is important to note that all states allow immunity from criminal and civil liability for good-faith reporting of suspected abuse, even if it is later determined to be unfounded.

Steps to Reporting Child Abuse

1. Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
2. 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 child abuse hotline for the state where the child resides.

   Massachusetts DCYF – How to report abuse or neglect

   Rhode Island DCF – Child Welfare Services Program

3. Notify the Scout executive or his designee at the Narragansett Council. (401-351-8700)
4. If you are unable to contact someone at the Narraganset Council you can contact the National Scouts First Hotline 1-844-SCOUTS1 OR 1-844-726-8871

Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies

If you think any of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies have been violated, including those described within Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, you must notify your local council Scout executive or his/her designee so appropriate action can be taken for the safety of our Scouts.