Youth Protection

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.

Steps to Reporting Child Abuse or Suspected 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
3. Notify the Scout executive. (See contact name/number below.)

Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies

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 our Scout Executive.

NEIC Emergency Contact
Scout Executive
Nick Roberts
847.748.9153
nick.roberts@scouting.org