Shining a light on the truth.
Expert, third-party investigations into allegations of abuse and misconduct.
Ethical. Transparent. Trauma-Informed.
Blue Harbor Investigations offers expert-led, independent civil investigations for corporations, non-profits, higher education institutions, and K-12 schools.
When an allegation of abuse, harassment, or misconduct surfaces, it is critical that institutions appropriately respond in a manner that respects involved parties, pursues truth and justice, and provides a fair and credible process. Blue Harbor’s independent investigations address allegations of past abuse as well as assess the organization’s knowledge, how it responded, and opportunities for improved policy and response.
K-12 and Preschools
When allegations surface, protect your students, and your school’s integrity.
Expert independent investigations and consultations that prioritize safety and truth. We equip K-12 leaders with reliable facts through a trauma-informed process that respects involved parties and resolves uncertainty.
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Investigations
Blue Harbor offers third-party, independent civil investigations into allegations of abuse, harassment, and misconduct. Investigations may include surveys of relevant individuals, trauma-informed interviews of parties and witnesses, analysis of corroborating and digital evidence, policy audits, and a credibility assessment.
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Consultations
Formal Consultations are an opportunity to connect with Blue Harbor’s Specialists via phone or video call to gain contextualized insight and recommendations relating to specific questions or situations. Blue Harbor offers a Basic Consultation (1-2 hours) or options for more extended Case & Document Review.
The right thing is also the smart thing.
Why independent third-party investigations are critical when allegations of abuse or misconduct arise.
Independent third-party investigations are an important option to consider when allegations fall outside the scope of law enforcement (e.g., expired statute of limitations), an investigation by law enforcement isn’t possible, or when organizational conduct and institutional response needs to be considered. Independent expert assistance minimizes concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and institutional self-protection and is crucial for maintaining trust with the community.
Blue Harbor equips leaders and staff with reliable information and credibility assessments so they can make necessary organizational changes and create safer environments for everyone.
FAQs
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Blue Harbor is built on a foundation of trust, expertise, and profound ethical commitment. Our approach is rooted in our extensive and successful application of The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Trauma-Informed Care Principles. Most internal and corporate investigations fail to prioritize the emotional and psychological safety of all involved parties. Blue Harbor's explicit incorporation of Trauma-Informed Principles and a team seasoned in forensic interviewing is crucial for gathering accurate, untainted evidence and protecting the well-being of the individuals involved.
In addition, the Blue Harbor team brings over a century of combined investigative, prosecutorial, and legal experience to our independent investigations and consultations.
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K-12 Schools
Preschools
Corporations
Nonprofit organizations
Higher education institutions
Youth-serving organizations
Residential facilities
International relief organizations
Sports and athletic organizations
*This is not an all encompassing list—to inquire if Blue Harbor is a good fit for your entity, please fill out our consultation form.
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Blue Harbor specializes in investigating allegations of:
Sexual assault, abuse, or misconduct
Sexual harassment
Professional boundary violations
Child physical abuse
Child sexual abuse
Stalking & Harassment
Red-flag grooming behaviors & policy violations
Hazing
Discrimination
Bullying
Workplace or School Violence
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Blue Harbor’s team includes multiple former sex-crime prosecutors as well as law enforcement, social workers, bilingual forensic interviewers, domestic violence advocates, and leading researchers with expertise in abuse and trauma. Each investigation will recieve a hand-picked team for maximum relevancy and effectiveness in finding the truth. If needed, the Blue Harbor investigative team will include additional experts such as psychologists and cultural consultants with expertise in the specific areas being investigated.
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The cost of a Blue Harbor Investigation varies based on the circumstances and the level of support your organization needs.
In some situations, a school may only require focused investigative assistance—5–20 hours of work, a limited set of interviews, and concise recommendations—when key facts are already established and the goal is due diligence. Pricing for this type of engagement typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
In more complex matters, such as addressing multiple allegations of sexual abuse in a residential setting, the work may involve extensive interviews, detailed credibility assessments, and broader organizational review. Pricing for this level of investigation would begin at approximately $50,000 and scale with scope.
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The exact length of the investigation will vary depending on the number and complexity of allegations, witness scheduling and participation, national/international dimensions, and other contextual factors.
As a general guideline, a larger investigation may take around three to six months. Investigations with single-digit witness counts could be much shorter, depending on witness availability.
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No. Any and all allegations of criminal conduct should be immediately reported to the governing authorities.
Criminal investigations focus on allegations of criminal conduct perpetrated by individuals and oftentimes result in the prosecution of those offenses. Independent investigations focus on individual conduct and the conduct of the organization.
Blue Harbor investigations are especially recommended when the conduct of the organizational leadership is at issue and/or when law enforcement decides that it is not authorized to investigate the abuse disclosure because the statute of limitations has expired. If a thorough investigation by law enforcement isn’t possible, it can be difficult to ascertain facts and determine the next steps, which makes an objective, independent third-party investigation crucial for regaining trust.
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Blue Harbor investigators are available in all 50 United States and internationally.