Scouts First Helpline

'Scouts First' Helpline for Abuse and Youth Protection

24-hour helpline: 844-SCOUTS FIRST (844-726-8871)

The protection of youth is the primary obligation of every individual involved in the Boy Scouts of America — including leaders, parents, members and professionals. The BSA has been and will continue to be vigilant in its efforts to create barriers that help prevent abuse and to recognize and report child abuse regardless of where it occurs. Nationwide, the BSA requires everyone involved with Scouting to report any known or suspected abuse to local authorities.

The helpline’s goal is to provide immediate assistance to BSA professionals in the investigation, reporting and dealing with abuse allegations or to ensure that the victim, unit, and council are fully supported and the actions taken are properly documented.  All known or suspected abuse and significant youth protection policy infractions must be reported to the Scouts First Helpline after mandatory reporting to law enforcement or child protective services.

Responding To Abuse

When information regarding known or suspected abuse is first discovered, the following steps should immediately be taken by those responding:

• Get the victim medical treatment, if required, and to a place of safety if needed
• Ensure the victim(s) parents are notified as soon as possible
• Notify law enforcement and/or child protective services
• Call the Scouts First Helpline

Reporting Abuse or Youth Protection Violations

Accurate information is critical to an appropriate response; however, a lack of specific information is not a reason to delay a report of known or suspected abuse or significant youth protection policy violations. At a minimum, every effort should be made to have the following information available when reporting to the Scouts First Helpline:

• The name, age, council, and unit of the alleged victim(s)
• The name and phone number of the victim’s parent(s)
• The name, age, council, and unit of any other known or suspected victim(s) and their parents contact information
• The name, position, council, and unit of alleged perpetrator(s)
• The name and phone number of the law enforcement or protective service agency to which the incident was reported
• The name, unit, and council of any known witnesses
• The name and phone number of the reporter
• Details of the incident: who, what, where, and when

The reporter may also be asked to submit the information on a Youth Protection/Membership Incident Information Form (paper or online).

Questions or Concerns

Questions regarding the Scouts First Helpline and the above procedures should be directed to the council Scout Executive. 

NOTE: The Scouts First Helpline is for reporting abuse or significant violations of the BSA’s youth protection policies only. While all youth protection policies must be taken seriously, minor, non-recurring infractions with no indication youth are at risk can be addressed at the unit level.