View source

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

You do not have permission to do that, for the following reasons:

• You do not have permission to edit pages in the Page namespace.
• The action you have requested is limited to users in the group user.
• You must confirm your e-mail address before editing pages. Please set and validate your e-mail address through your user preferences.

You can view and copy the source of this page:

The Boy Scouts of America has adopted [[Youth protection]] policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our [[adult leader]]s from false accusations of abuse.{{Shortcut|[[YP]]<br />[[YPT]]}} {{See| the BSA [http://www.scouting.org/Applications/MyScoutingFull.aspx Youth Protection Online Training] and the [http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS.aspx Guide to Safe Scouting]}} <br><br><br> ==Youth Protection== The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders the following online, video, and print resources for the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing programs. ===Leadership Selection=== The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. Our chartered organizations endeavor to [[recruit]] the best possible leaders for their units. The [[adult application]] requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child molester, we can reduce the risk of accepting a child molester by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position—his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and other matters. ===Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting=== The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our [[adult leader]]s from false accusations of abuse. ;Two-deep leadership.: Two registered [[adult leaders]] or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities. ;No one-on-one contact.: One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster's conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths. ;Respect of privacy.: [[Adult leaders]] must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations. ;Separate accommodations.: When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers. ;Proper preparation for high-adventure activities.: Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures. ;No secret organizations.: The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders. ;Appropriate attire.: Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting. ;Constructive discipline.: Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting's values. Corporal punishment is never permitted. ;Hazing prohibited.: Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity. ;Junior leader training and supervision.: [[Adult leaders]] must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed. ;Member responsibilities.: All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout's membership in the unit. ;Unit responsibilities.: The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit's [[adult leader]]. Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it. ===The "three R's" of Youth Protection=== The "three R's" of Youth Protection convey a simple message to youth members: *'''Recognize''' situations that place you at risk of being molested, how child molesters operate, and that anyone could be a molester. *'''Resist''' unwanted and inappropriate attention. Resistance will stop most attempts at molestation. *'''Report''' attempted or actual molestation to a parent or other trusted adult. This prevents further abuse and helps to protect other children. Let the Scout know he or she will not be blamed for what occurred ==References== *The source for this entire article can be found at [http://www.scouting.org/YouthProtection.aspx ''Official'' BSA Youth Protection] -- Last accessed: 2008-03-28 == See also == * [http://www.scouting.org/Applications/MyScoutingFull.aspx Youth Protection Online Training] {{Outdoor Training Links}} [[Category:Adult Training]]

• Template:Outdoor Training Links
• Template:See
• Template:Shortcut (protected)
• Template:The Building Blocks of New Leader Training

Return to Youth protection.