Non-partisan nonprofit
Promoting Accountability. Protecting Communities. Empowering Awareness.
Accountability Institute provides research, education, public-awareness resources, and accountability initiatives focused on protecting the public.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report suspected abuse, contact local law enforcement or Child Protective Services. See reporting options →
Our Initiatives
Nine focused projects, one mission
Each initiative brings transparency and safeguarding to a setting where parents and communities place their trust.
Safe Schools Project
Monitoring school-related misconduct, abuse-prevention resources, educator accountability, and student safety.
Safe Churches Project
Abuse prevention, institutional accountability, survivor support, and safeguarding practices in faith communities.
Safe Healthcare Project
Patient safety, reporting resources, and healthcare accountability initiatives.
Safe Tribes Project
Safeguarding and accountability for tribal communities, supporting culturally informed child-protection practices.
Safe Professors Project
Accountability and transparency in higher education, addressing misconduct by faculty and academic professionals.
Safe Youth Sports Project
Protecting young athletes and promoting safe environments in youth sports organizations.
Safe Camps Project
Child safety and safeguarding in camps and youth programs.
Safe Foster Care Project
Accountability and oversight in foster care systems, protecting children in state-supervised placements.
Safe Daycares Project
Safeguarding standards, staff screening, and accountability for childcare and daycare facilities.
Understanding Abuse
Knowledge that helps protect those at risk
Clear, research-grounded education on recognizing, preventing, and responding to abuse — written for parents, professionals, and institutions.
Recognizing Grooming Behaviors
How offenders build trust and access — and the patterns adults can learn to spot early.
Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Behavioral and physical indicators that may signal a child needs help and support.
Understanding Mandatory Reporting
Who is required to report, what triggers a duty to report, and how the process works.
Online Safety for Children
Protecting children from exploitation, grooming, and harm in digital spaces.
How Institutions Can Prevent Abuse
Screening, supervision, codes of conduct, and the systems that keep children safe.
Supporting Survivors
Trauma-informed, victim-centered ways to respond, believe, and connect to care.
If abuse is suspected
You don't have to be certain to take action
If you suspect a child is being harmed, you can report your concern. You are not responsible for investigating — that is the role of professionals. Acting early can protect a child.
In an emergency, call 911. This site provides educational guidance and is not a substitute for emergency services or professional advice.
Ensure immediate safety
If anyone is in danger right now, call 911. Move the child away from harm if it is safe to do so.
Document what you observed
Note dates, times, and exactly what was said or seen — in the child's words where possible. Avoid leading questions.
Report to the proper authority
Contact Child Protective Services or local law enforcement. Many professionals are mandated reporters by law.
Support the child
Stay calm, believe them, and connect them with trained advocates and counseling resources.
Resource Library
A searchable home for safeguarding knowledge
Articles, research reports, guides, infographics, and downloadable PDFs — filterable by topic, audience, and format.
- Filter by audience — parents, educators, institutions, advocates.
- Practical formats — checklists, policy templates, training decks.
- Always free — every resource is open and downloadable.
Get Involved
Accountability is a shared responsibility
There are many ways to strengthen safeguarding in your community — whatever your time, skills, or role.
About the Institute
Our mission
“To promote transparency, accountability, public awareness, and safer communities through education, research, advocacy, and responsible oversight.”
We are a non-partisan, non-profit organization. We do not take political positions; we focus on the safety of children and the integrity of the institutions entrusted with their care.
More about usIntegrity
Honest, principled work in service of the public good.
Transparency
Open methods, open data, open reporting.
Compassion
A victim-centered approach in everything we do.
Evidence
Decisions grounded in rigorous research.