Allegations by a Scout concerning abuse in the program must be reported to the Scout executive. Since these reports are required, the child should be told that you have to tell the proper authorities but that you will not tell anyone else. It is important that you not tell anyone other than the Scout executive or the child protective services agency about allegations of abuse. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories have different reporting requirements. As part of this training, you will receive reporting instructions for your area and for your council.
People are often concerned about being sued for reporting child abuse.
You are not required to know for certain that a child has been abused. When these requirements are met, all states provide immunity from liability for child abuse reporters. The BSA recognizes that many of our leaders feel unprepared to talk to children about preventing sexual abuse. For this reason, the BSA has meeting guides for both of the videos produced to be viewed by youths. Resist unwanted and inappropriate attention.