DA Form 7318-2: Child Abuse Close Out Report PDF Download – DA Form 7318-2 is the official U.S. Army Close Out Report used to document the final resolution of child abuse allegations occurring in Department of Defense (DoD) operated or sanctioned activities. These include child development centers (CDCs), family child care (FCC) homes, youth programs, schools, and other DoD-sanctioned settings.
It forms part of a series of related forms under the Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP):
- DA Form 7318: Initial Report of Child Abuse.
- DA Form 7318-1: Follow-Up/Interim Report.
- DA Form 7318-2: Close Out Report (final documentation after investigations conclude).
The form is prescribed by AR 608-18, The Army Family Advocacy Program (30 October 2007, with updates), and supports DoD policies such as DoDI 6400.01 on the Family Advocacy Program.
Download the official DA Form 7318-2 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/ARN45870-DA_FORM_7318-2-100-EFILE-1.pdf
Purpose and Importance in the Family Advocacy Program
The FAP aims to prevent, identify, report, investigate, and treat child abuse and neglect while protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. For out-of-home (extrafamilial) abuse in DoD settings, strict documentation ensures:
- All investigations (by CID, law enforcement, or other agencies) reach completion.
- Case Review Committee (CRC) determinations are recorded (e.g., “met criteria for abuse,” “did not meet criteria,” or unsubstantiated).
- Administrative, legal, medical, and command actions are summarized.
- Data feeds into the Army Central Registry (ACR) and DoD-wide reporting for trends, prevention, and compliance.
This close-out process supports transparency, victim safety, and continuous improvement in child protection across military communities.
Who Uses DA Form 7318-2 and When?
- Primary users: Family Advocacy Program Managers (FAPMs), Installation Child and Youth Services (CYS) staff, commanders, and designated reporters in DoD-operated or sanctioned activities.
- Timing: Submitted after all investigations are complete and the CRC has made its final determination. It is forwarded through channels to higher headquarters (e.g., IMCOM G-9 FAPM).
Mandatory reporters (including CYS staff, volunteers, and others with child contact) must follow installation reporting point of contact (RPOC) procedures. Out-of-home cases often involve coordination with military police, CID, and civilian authorities when required.
Key Sections Typically Included on the Form
While the exact layout is in the official PDF, close-out reports generally capture:
- Incident details and victim/perpetrator information (consistent with initial reports).
- Investigation outcomes and findings.
- Medical findings per victim.
- Administrative or legal actions taken (e.g., disciplinary measures, reassignment, training).
- CRC decision and case status.
- Final disposition and any follow-up recommendations.
Accurate, timely completion is critical for privacy compliance (Privacy Act), record retention under ARIMS, and potential congressional or audit reviews.
Broader Context: DoD Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention
DoD policy (DoDI 6400.01) and AR 608-18 emphasize a coordinated community response. All suspected child abuse must be reported promptly. For DoD-sanctioned activities, background checks, training, and safety protocols minimize risks.
Annual DoD reports track child abuse and neglect incidents, showing military rates often compared to civilian data. Prevention remains a top priority through education, parent support, and awareness programs.
Resources for Service Members and Families:
- Contact your local Installation FAP or ACS for support.
- 24/7 hotlines and victim advocates are available.
- Commanders receive annual FAP briefings per AR 608-18.
How to Access and Complete the Form?
- Download the fillable PDF directly from the official Army source linked above.
- Follow instructions in AR 608-18 and local SOPs.
- Coordinate with your FAPM or RPOC for guidance—do not delay close-out reporting.
Note: Forms and policies can receive updates. Always verify the latest version on armypubs.army.mil or through official channels.
Protecting children in military communities is a shared responsibility. Proper use of DA Form 7318-2 ensures accountability, closure, and lessons learned to strengthen prevention efforts across the DoD.