Reported, Suspected, or Observed Child or Vulnerable Adult Maltreatment

This includes abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct which is observed, reported, or suspected. Reporting is a scary prospect for anyone. If you are the supervisor or unit leader and you become aware of alleged or actual abuse, take a moment to clear your head and think before you act. As you respond, remain calm. Take action in a manner that is assertive, effective, and sensitive to those around you.

These guidelines apply to allegations related to Salvation Army activities or workers, as well as allegations not related to Salvation Army activities.

When responding to incidents or allegations of abuse, The Salvation Army and its personnel will keep several key principles in mind:

• Reports should be taken seriously.

• Divisional headquarters should be contacted immediately.

• The Salvation Army will cooperate with law enforcement and other government agencies as requested. (Divisional headquarters should be consulted to guide the unit in this area.)

• The victim should not be blamed.

• The Salvation Army should seek to provide support as appropriate for alleged victims, alleged offenders, and their families during this period of great stress.

• Allegations should be handled with sensitivity for people’s privacy and confidentiality.

If abuse is suspected, observed, alleged, and/or disclosed by a victim, follow these steps:

• Interrupt – if it is taking place where you are.

• Ensure the victim is safe.

• Listen supportively, hear the victim out and do not minimize or discount the allegation.

• Ask basic, open-ended questions to clarify and gather facts. Do not ask leading questions. 

• Contact your supervisor or officer in charge immediately

• Call authorities:

  • Police if perpetrator is in building/area

  • Child Protective Services

• Call parents (using discretion – if the victim is alleging abuse against a parent, only call CPS)

• Where there is an allegation or reasonable suspicion of abuse of children involving Salvation Army personnel, the individual in question shall be removed from his/her duties.

• Write your statement as soon as possible so that you don’t forget any pertinent information.

• Complete and submit reports:

  • Online Incident Report Form (A copy should be shared with the supervisor or officer if they are not the one completing the form).

  • Report to Parents (Using discretion as mentioned above. Completed by officer or supervisor).

• Notify the Divisional SFH Coordinator as soon as possible.

• To the extent possible, full confidentiality of the investigation and the disposition of any charges shall be maintained.

• Cooperate with any investigation as requested by authorities and/or DHQ/THQ.

It’s also important to know how to react should a child disclose abuse.

• Believe the Child

• Let them know they have done nothing wrong

• Stay Calm

• Provide a Safe Place to Talk

• Ask Basic Questions & Listen Carefully – don’t interrogate

• Ask open ended questions that are non-leading

  • What happened?

  • When did it happen?

  • Where did it happen?

  • Who did it?

  • How do you know them (if the relationship of the abuser is unclear)?

  • Who was there?

  • How often does it happen?

• Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep

• Don’t Judge the Offender or the Offense

• Report Immediately

• Thank the child for talking to you and tell them What’s Going to Happen Next

• Leave the Investigation to the Professionals

As a reminder, everyone who works with children in any capacity in The Salvation Army Southern Territory is a mandated reporter. We are required by law to report any disclosure, allegation, report, or suspicion of abuse to Child Protective Services. This is also true for vulnerable adults. We must report suspicion or knowledge of vulnerable adult abuse to the Adult Protective Services.

To find your state's Child Protective Services number, please see the list below. Or call or text the National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453

We have also included contact information for Adult Protective Services in each state within our Territory.