Youth Protection Reporting Procedures for Volunteers

BSA Youth Protection Policies

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.

For additional resources and information regarding the BSA's Youth Protection Guidelines, click here.

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

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 one of the following:

For Missouri: Department of Social Services, Children’s Division Child Abuse Hotline at 800-392-3738

For Kansas: Social and Rehabilitation Service Child Abuse Hotline at 800-922-5330

3.   Notify the Scout executive or his designee. (See contact names/numbers below.) If they cannot be reached call the 24/7 Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-726-8871 or email, scoutsfirst@scouting.org. 

If you think any of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies, including those described within Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse have been violated, you must notify your local council Scout executive or his designee so appropriate action can be taken for the safety of our Scouts. Youth Protection can be achieved only through the shared involvement of everyone in Scouting. Remember—Youth Protection Begins With YOU^®.

In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

State Child Abuse Hotlines

Heart of America Council
Emergency Contact Personnel

More information about the BSA’s Youth Protection policies.

What constitutes Child Abuse in the State of Missouri?

What constitutes Child Abuse in the State of Kansas?