DA Form 7318: Initial Child Abuse Report – Download PDF – DA Form 7318 is the official U.S. Army form used for the initial reporting of suspected or known child abuse occurring in Department of Defense (DoD) operated or sanctioned activities. These include child development centers, youth programs, schools, and other DoD-sanctioned settings where children receive care.
Military personnel, staff, volunteers, and mandated reporters use this form as part of the Army Family Advocacy Program (FAP) to ensure swift identification, investigation, and protection of children. It supports compliance with federal laws and DoD policies aimed at preventing and responding to child abuse.
Why DA Form 7318 Matters for Child Safety in the Military?
Child abuse in DoD-operated or sanctioned activities (often called “out-of-home” child abuse) requires specialized reporting because the abuser may have a caretaking role or regular access in that environment. The form triggers immediate actions, including notifications to the Family Advocacy Program Manager (FAPM), law enforcement (such as CID), and command.
Key facts:
- Reports must typically reach the installation FAPM within 24 hours.
- It feeds into the Case Review Committee (CRC) process for determining if the allegation meets DoD criteria for abuse.
- Follow-up uses DA Form 7318-1 (Interim/Follow-Up Report), and closure uses DA Form 7318-2.
This process protects military families, ensures accountability, and contributes to the Army Central Registry (ACR) for tracking and prevention efforts.
Purpose and Authority of DA Form 7318
Authority: AR 608-18 (The Army Family Advocacy Program).
Principal Purpose: To document and transmit critical information about alleged child abuse for investigation, victim protection, medical treatment, and statistical tracking.
It implements:
- Public Law 93-247 (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1974).
- DoD Directives 6400.1, 6400.2, and 6400.3 on the Family Advocacy Program.
The form captures victim and reporter details, incident specifics, type of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect), and initial actions taken.
Who Should Use DA Form 7318?
- Mandated reporters in DoD child and youth programs (CYS staff, teachers, volunteers).
- Installation personnel, medical providers, and anyone with reasonable suspicion of abuse in a DoD-sanctioned setting.
- Command and FAP staff who receive and process reports.
Note: Anyone suspecting child abuse in a military context should report immediately. For family/home settings, different procedures apply via the FAP.
Key Sections of DA Form 7318
The one-page fillable form typically includes:
- Reporter and contact information.
- Victim(s) details (name, age, sex, relationship to sponsor).
- Incident details (date, location, description).
- Type of alleged abuse.
- Witnesses and initial actions taken (e.g., notifications to MP/CID, medical evaluation).
Accurate, timely completion is essential for credibility and rapid response.
How to Obtain and Submit DA Form 7318?
Official Download (PDF, fillable):
DA Form 7318 – Initial Report of Child Abuse (Army Publishing Directorate)
Submit completed forms through your installation’s Report Point of Contact (RPOC) or FAPM. Electronic submission and routing to higher commands (e.g., IMCOM) often applies.
Related Forms:
- DA Form 7318-1: Follow-Up/Interim Report.
- DA Form 7318-2: Closeout Report.
Broader Context: DoD Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
The FAP coordinates prevention, identification, investigation, and treatment for child abuse and domestic abuse in military communities. DoD reports annually to Congress on these incidents, with military met-criteria rates historically higher than civilian substantiation rates due to rigorous processes (though actual victimization rates remain lower than civilian populations).
Reporting Resources:
- DoD Child Abuse Report Line: 877-790-1197 (or 571-372-5348 OCONUS).
- Local installation FAP office or Child Protective Services coordination.
- Military OneSource for confidential support.
Training and Prevention
DoD and Army require background checks, staff training, and safety education for all who work with children in sanctioned programs. Commanders receive briefings, and installations maintain multidisciplinary teams for inspections and response.
Stay Compliant and Informed
Understanding DA Form 7318 is critical for leaders, FAP professionals, CYS staff, and military families. Prompt reporting saves lives and upholds the military’s commitment to child safety.
For the most current guidance, consult AR 608-18, your local FAP, or official Army publications. Always prioritize child safety—when in doubt, report.