Scouting Safely

At Scouting America, the safety and well-being of our members are of paramount importance. We are dedicated to maintaining a secure environment where Scouts, leaders, and volunteers can engage in enriching Scouting experiences with confidence. By reporting an incident In Scouting, you play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and well-being of Scouting America community. Timely, clear, concise, and thorough incident reports enable a fitting response and provide an opportunity for analysis and continuous improvement in our programs!

Your commitment, whether as a parent, leader, volunteer, or Scout, to promptly report incidents is essential in upholding the core values of preparedness, responsibility, and integrity that define Scouting.

SCOUTS FIRST HELPLINE: 1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871)

The protection of youth is the primary obligation of every individual involved in Scouting America— including leaders, parents, members, and professionals. Scouting America has been and will continue to be vigilant in creating barriers that help prevent abuse and educating those involved in Scouting to recognize and report child abuse regardless of where it occurs. As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, Scouting America a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.

Incident Reporting

Step 1: Immediate Safety

When an incident occurs, the safety of everyone involved takes precedence. Follow these crucial steps:

  • Conduct a rapid assessment to identify potential injuries or hazards.
  • Provide first aid as needed and seek medical help promptly. If necessary, contact 911 immediately.
  • If the situation warrants, move individuals to a safer area to mitigate immediate risks.

Understanding the incident in its entirety empowers you to respond effectively:

  • Gather comprehensive information about what happened to establish a clear understanding.
  • If minors are involved, inform parents and guardians of the situation promptly.

Accurate documentation is key to addressing incidents comprehensively:

  • Collect all available information: document the who, what, when, where, and why. (Resource below: Incident Reporting: Gathering the Information)
  • Construct a timeline that outlines the sequence of events leading up to and following the incident.
  • Include the names of all individuals involved and detail the actions taken to address the situation.
  • Enhance your documentation with photographs of the scene and witness statements.

Step 4: Notify the Local Council

Staying in touch with the local Council is crucial:

  • Complete the necessary form with all relevant details and send it to the Scout Executive, Christopher Coscia, at Chris.Coscia@scouting.org.
  • Your prompt reporting is essential to maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved in Scouting.

Continuing to provide support and care after the initial response is essential:

  • Maintain open communication with the families of those affected by the incident.
  • Address any questions or concerns they may have and ensure they feel supported throughout.

Forms

If you witness or are involved in any incident that could potentially affect the safety or experience of Scouts and leaders, it’s important to document and report it immediately. This includes, but is not limited to, accidents, injuries, property damage, or any other occurrences that could impact Scouting activities.

Incident Report Form

In the case of an injury, provide detailed information on the nature and severity of the injury, how and where it occurred, and the individuals involved, including the injured person and any witnesses. Additionally, outline any immediate actions taken, such as first aid or medical treatment administered.

Injury Report Form