Safety Resources and Incident Reporting

Safeguards

While Scouting America continuously evaluates and strengthens its Safeguarding programs, the organization recognizes that abuse can happen anywhere, even in Scouting. Scouting America’s safeguards include the following:

Application and Screening

All volunteers must complete a rigorous application and screening process before joining Scouting. As part of this requirement, applicants must provide references and submit to a national criminal background check. Scouting America also verifies that the organization has not received any prior allegations of misconduct on the volunteer’s part by checking names in the Ineligible Volunteer Files. Scouting America’s goal is to ensure that all adult volunteers represent the values and character outlined in the Scout Oath and Scout Law and are good leaders for youth.

Training

All volunteers are required to complete Safeguarding Youth Training and must renew the training every year. This training is accessible to the general public online on Scouting America’s website. Please review the training, as it provides important information about detecting and preventing abuse, no matter where it may occur.

Two-Deep Leadership

Scouting’s two-deep leadership policy requires at least two adults to be present for all Scouting activities. No youth should ever be alone with a Scout leader for any reason.

Resources

Every Scouts BSA and Cub Scout handbook includes a pamphlet to help parents teach their children how to recognize, resist and report abuse. If you have not done so already, please immediately review and discuss this information with your unit leaders and encourage them to bring it to the attention of all Scout parents. A copy of the pamphlet and other youth-oriented literature is available under the Safeguarding tab on the Scouting America website.

Transparency

All Scouting activities are open to parents, and Scouting America encourages families to enjoy Scouting together.

Reporting

Scouting America has a mandatory reporting policy, which means all persons involved in Scouting shall report to local authorities any good-faith suspicion or belief that any child is or has been physically or sexually abused, physically or emotionally neglected, exposed to any form of violence or threat, exposed to any form of sexual exploitation including the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child pornography, online solicitation, enticement, or showing of obscene material. No person may abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.

AFTER REPORTING TO THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY, Notify the  Scout Executive of the report so they may take appropriate action for the safety of our Scouts, make appropriate notifications, and follow up with investigating agencies.  If you cannot reach the Scout Executive call the SCOUTS FIRST HELPLINE 1-844-726-8871.

Additional Information

Scouting America’s safeguarding policies and procedures can be accessed by visiting www.ScoutingAmericaYouthProtection.org

Reporting Tools

The Incident Reporting Tools provided below are customized for different situations, serving as valuable resources for gathering incident information. More than just filling out a form, these tools are crafted to assist you in accurately sharing all essential details with your Council.

Incident Information Reporting Tool: Use this tool to report injuries, illnesses, and incidents requiring medical attention beyond basic first aid. Suitable for situations occurring during Scouting activities or on council-owned properties.

Safeguarding/Membership Infraction Information Reporting Tool: For reporting instances of abuse, violations of Scouting America policies, or inappropriate behavior involving Scouts, Scout leaders, parents, or others.

Near Miss Incident Information Reporting Tool: Use this tool to report near misses – incidents that could have resulted in harm but did not. Valuable for identifying safety and program practice improvements.  Near misses with clear lessons learned can bring to light opportunities to improve safety performance or program practices.