Child Protection

Scouts SA have developed best practice Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy and Procedures.

The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is our number one concern and priority. As a thriving, modern organisation, we strive to be vigilant in identifying and eradicating child abuse. Our policy is to report allegations of child abuse to police, and other child protection authorities. If any such allegations are made, we report the allegations to the police and stand down any Leaders in respect of whom such allegations are made.

Child Protection and Scout Leaders

We require all adults applying to join Scouts SA to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and consent to a National Police Check (NPC). All approved Adult Leaders then receive comprehensive and ongoing training in dealing with children and the various aspects of Scouting. All Leaders must sign a document under which they agree to abide by a Code of Conduct, which incorporates important principles of Child Protection.

Any parents/guardians staying overnight with their children are also required to hold a current WWCC under legislation.

Incident Report Process – Child Protection

Any person suspecting that abuse has occurred may seek confidential advice directly from the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) or Scouts SA Head Office.

• Child Abuse Report line Phone: 131 478 (24 Hours)
• Scouts SA Head Office business hours: 08 7134 1200
• Scouts SA outside business hours Incident Report Line 08 8378 2412

Report must be made to Child Abuse Report Line and to Scouts SA Head Office.
Reports can be made anonymously.
No person should dissuade another from reporting an incident, or suspicion of, child abuse.

Refer to the page on Policies, Procedures for more information on Scouts SA guidelines.