Scout leader assaulted my son

[Charliebum22]

So on Monday night my sons new assistant scout leader grabbed him by his hair and pulled him over a meter back through a doorway when my son went to walk out of the room. He's also alleged to have used the back of his hand to hit a boy on the back of his head on the same evening. Both have given statements to the Scouts organisation and this is now being investigated by them. My question is, have I done enough? Should I involve the police, is this safeguarding children in the future from him? Please any advice would help. Also be interested to know what type of assault this is classed as?! Thanks

I would definitely contact the police myself.

i would phone the police defo.

Yes, police.

Did you see this happen? What had happened beforehand?

The lado (local authority designated officer) from the council should also be involved as they investigate any allegations against people in positions of trust against children; the police should refer through. I wouldn’t trust the scouts to report it to anyone.

Yes I think police should be involved. It’s physical assault on a minor.

Imagine the reaction if this was a teacher.

No I didn't witness it but my son was visibly upset when he came out of the club so I asked if he was ok and he blurted it out. He said he wanted to cry is hurt that much but he didn't as he was too embarrassed and it was only his second time at Scouts after moving up from cubs after Christmas. I'll call the police tomorrow and see what they advise. What's worse is he has a daughter in my sons year at the same school, should I call the school? If he's doing that to other children is he physically harming his own? Thanks for the replies I'm new to this!

Yes police, that's assault.

My friend is a safeguarding advisor for the scouts.

Once you've reported this to the scout leader it should be passed to the safeguarding team and allocated to a case worker. Suspension is usually immediate then investigation into the alleged offence(s).

If you are unsure what's happening you can ring the safeguarding team directly to report (number will be on website) and also ring 111 to report.

As part of the investigation the advisor will contact police, lado and any other agencies, employer of accused etc.

I'm sure he will be suspended and asked to leave scouting. He then will go on a banned list and will have an adverse dbs check.

It's a long slow process but in most cases like this the perpetrator never returns to scouting.

Thanks that's great advice and thanks for the info as the scouts aren't really telling me anything. When I asked if he would be returning they said "he definitely won't be there next week" I said he shouldn't be returning ever and if he is I want to know beforehand because there is no way I'll be sending my son he should never have to see this man again who hurt him. I'm worried they aren't following protocol yet hey did say it was going in front of the board of commissioners so hopefully it's going down the right path.

Charlie, you can pm me, depending where you live, depends if my friend has your case!

Who in the Scouts organisation has it been reported to? Unit Scout Leader? District Commissioner? When you say 'Both have given statements', was that just the boys, or were parents there too? Who did they give statements to?

If you're not happy with the outcome, or want to know how it's progressing, or just want to know how it is going to be dealt with, then contact the Scout Association Head Office (020 8433 7195) who will be able to explain what the procedure will be.

What outcome would you like to see in regard to this? Re-training and education for the adult involved? Suspension or removal from Scouting? A criminal investigation?

Yes, it may well be worth contacting the LADO. To be honest, I'm not entirely convinced that contacting the police is the best course of action, but they may be able to help you with advice.

I spent too long typing my post. I'm glad that walkingdowntheboulevard has been able to advise you from the Scouts point of view. I'm just using my Girlguiding knowledge which is probably very similar but maybe not quite the same.

The leader should be suspended whilst the enquiries and decision are ongoing. One thing to mention though is that it might take a little longer than it would in say, a school. Certainly in Girlguiding, until it progresses up through the organization, it will be being dealt with by volunteers and, although they should be acting in a professional manner, they will have other commitments and pressures on their time so the progression of your complaint may take longer than in other settings.