Youth Protection
Our Commitment to Youth Safety
True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. Troop 474 and Scouting America are dedicated to maintaining a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at every level – from national leadership down to our own troop meetings and campouts.
Leadership Selection
Scouting America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in Scouting America is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders.
All adult applicants undergo a multilayered selection process that includes criminal background checks administered by a nationally recognized third party. The adult application requests background information that is reviewed by the troop committee and chartered organization before any applicant is accepted into a leadership role. Click here for information on the selection process.
Required Training – Safeguarding Youth
All registered adult volunteers in Scouting America are required to complete Safeguarding Youth training before beginning service with youth. Key requirements:
- Safeguarding Youth training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is a joining requirement.
- Safeguarding Youth training must be taken every year. If a volunteer’s Safeguarding Youth training is not current at the time of annual registration renewal, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
- You do not have to be a registered member of Scouting America to take the training.
To complete the training, create a free account at my.scouting.org. Once logged in, launch the Safeguarding Youth training from the home page. Upon completion, you can print a certificate or receive one by email to submit with your volunteer application.
Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
Scouting America has established a clear set of policies designed to protect youth members and adult leaders alike. These include:
Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or older are required on all trips, outings, and meetings.
No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth is not permitted. Any personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster’s conference, must be conducted in view of other adults and youth. Any form of online communication must include another registered leader or parent.
Respect of privacy. Adults and youth must respect each other’s privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp.
Separate accommodations. No youth may sleep in the tent of an adult other than their own parent or guardian.
No secret organizations. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
Constructive discipline only. Corporal punishment is never permitted. Discipline used in Scouting must reflect Scouting’s values.
Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be part of any Scouting activity.
Click here for more information.
Reporting Child Abuse
All persons involved in Scouting are required to report any good-faith suspicion or belief that a child has been abused or neglected. This responsibility cannot be passed to another person. If you witness or suspect abuse:
- Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
- In cases of injury or medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
- If the suspected abuse occurred in the Scout’s home or family, contact your local child abuse hotline as required by state law.
- Notify the Scout executive. If unreachable, contact the Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871) or email scoutsfirst@scouting.org. This helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911.
Digital Privacy
A safe Scouting experience includes respect for privacy in all forms. Sending sexually explicit photographs or videos electronically — including via cell phone — is not safe, not private, not an approved form of communication, and can lead to severe legal consequences. Leaders are encouraged to educate Scouts about the appropriate use of cell phones and cameras at all troop activities.
Key Resources
- Guide to Safe Scouting — The single source for safe Scouting policies, including Youth Protection, Health and Safety, and reporting information.
- How to Protect Your Children From Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide — Available for Cub Scout and Scouts BSA families.
- Scouting America Social Media Guidelines
- Scouts First Helpline — 1-844-726-8871
For more information and resources visit Scouting America Youth Protection.