Training: Youth Protection

For over three quarters of a century, the Boy Scouts of America has worked to develop the character, citizenship, and personal fitness of America's youth. We realize that the future of our society is vested in each successive generation and the values inherited.

As a major youth-serving organization, the Boy Scouts of America has a unique opportunity to help protect the youth of our nation. In addition to helping families address the problem of child abuse, the Boy Scouts of America is exemplary among youth-serving agencies in recognizing the potential threat that child abuse poses to young people and has adopted a comprehensive set of policies and procedures designed to ensure that Scouting continues to be safe for all participants.

BSA Youth Protection Training is now required for at least one adult present during any event or activity needed a local or national tour permit. Further, every adult participating in nationally sponsored events and activities must be trained in BSA Youth Protection.

Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has concerning child abuse in our society, Youth Protection Training has been developed to safeguard both youth and adult members in the scouting program. This training teaches professionals and volunteers what resources are available to educate scouts about child abuse, how to avoid it, how to identify abuse, and how to deal with it. Also discussed are the proper reactions and reporting procedures to be used if abuse occurs, and the importance of "Two-Deep Leadership" to protect both the scouts and you. This is a delicate subject, but one that must be addressed.

Youth Protection Training is a requirement for Quality Unit Awards. Youth Protection Training is required for all adults (over 18) participating in any National event with youth - National and World Jamborees, Philmont, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High Adventure base, etc. Youth Protection Training is required for all adults (over 18) participating in any "out of council" event or trip with youth.

Youth Protection is Everyone's Responsibility

Videos

The videos described below are available from the scout office to show at your Pack, Troop or youth group function. Although these videos are targeted for boys, girls are also victims of abuse. These videos also heighten boy's and girl's awareness of Children's Rights when it comes to abuse.

"It Happened to Me" is designed to be shown to children of ages 6 to 9. The purpose of this video to help youth identify sexual abuse encourage your them to speak up about sexual abuse without shame or fear. It is appropriate for families, school and church groups, and other youth groups as well. It is suggested that parents be present when showing this video so that the social questions, which arise in the aftermath of abuse, can later be discussed within the family.

"A Time To Tell" is designed to be shown to 11 to 14 year olds. Although it mainly addresses male issues, it also has helpful information for young girls. This video presents a unique approach to a sensitive subject, and shows ways to prevent child molestation and sexual abuse.

There is a leader guide at the beginning video, which should be viewed by the presenter of the program. This person should be a registered leader with Youth Protection Training and a full understanding of BSA policies regarding sexual abuse.

BSA's Youth Protection Program

Guiding the BSA's Youth Protection Program is the following five-point strategy to prevent child abuse:

Educating Scouting volunteers, parents, and Scouts to aid in the detection and prevention of child abuse
Establishing leader-selection procedures to prevent offenders from entering the BSA leadership ranks.
Establishing policies that create barriers to child abuse within the program.
Encouraging Scouts to report improper behavior to identify offenders quickly.
Swift removal and reporting of alleged offenders.

One of the objectives of the training program is to help you understand your role in implementing the five points of this strategy.

Parents need to help their children realize that parents are resources for help in solving personal problems. In this way, children feel freer to let their parents know of attempted or actual abuse. How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse and Drug Abuse: A Parent's Guide, found in the front of Cub Scout and Boy Scout handbooks, has exercises for parents and children to do together, which fosters this sense of open communication

We assist our chartered organizations in securing qualified Cubmasters, Scoutmasters, and Coaches through the "Six Sure Steps" for leader selection. These steps are outlined in guides provided at no charge from your council. In addition, the BSA has an 18-minute video, Ventures III, which provides specific guidance for leadership selection by heads of chartered organizations, chartered organizations representatives, and organizing and unit committees.

Your participation in training not only reflects your concern about children's safety in this society, but also your willingness to take steps toward halting child abuse and its detrimental effects.

More Youth Protection Information

Online Resources

Guide to Safe Scouting, Youth Protection and Adult Leadership

Youth Protection Training Courses.
Topics covered include the BSA's Youth Protection policies, kinds of abuse, signs of abuse, how to respond to disclosure of abuse, and proper reporting procedures.

Cub Scout Leader Youth Protection Training