Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection training is designed to help you keep our youth safe from abuse. You will learn Scouting America's Youth Protection Guidelines, signs of abuse, and how to report suspected abuse. After each section of material, you will answer questions about that section's topic. Completion is noted automatically in the Scouting America training records database if the module is experienced online.

Log in to my.scouting.org to take this course online 

Youth Protection Training 

Youth protection is required for all volunteers interacting with youth.

Instructions:

Additional Resources and information can be found at the national site

ScoutsFirst Helpline

ScoutsFirst for Help with Questions, Concerns,Reporting, Counseling and Support

The ScoutsFirst Helpline also makes it easier for volunteers and families to address dangerous situations. If a leader or parent has a question about a situation, or something they’ve seen or if they want to report a possible incident, they can contact the Helpline for assistance. In cases of abuse, they should also notify the local authorities .

Scouting America is committed to providing ongoing support to victims and their families, including counseling. We want to help victims heal, on their own terms, with a professional counselor of their choice. Through the ScoutsFirst Helpline, the Boy Scouts of America offers assistance with counseling to any youth member, former youth member, or the family of any youth member who suffered abuse during their time in Scouting.

New National Policies 

  • As of January 1, 2018, no new leader can be registered without first completing youth protection training.
  • As of January 1, 2018, no council, regional, or national leader will be allowed to renew their registration if they are not current on their Youth Protection Training.
  • As of September 1, 2017, no unit may re-charter without all leaders being current on their Youth Protection Training. Registrars no longer have the ability to approve charters without full compliance.
  • Effective June 1, 2018, adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as a leader, including completion of a criminal background check and Youth Protection Training. The 72 hours need not be consecutive.

 

“The Boy Scouts of America cannot and will not sit idle in the war against child abusers.”

- Mike Surbaugh Chief Scout Executive

Bullying Awareness

The idea that a Scout should treat others as he or she wants to be treated—a Scout is kind—is woven throughout the programs and literature of Scouting America. When a Scout follows the principles of the Scout Oath and Scout Law, bullying and hazing situations should never occur. These fact sheets will help with bullying awareness and direct you to resources provided by the BSA and other entities we work with to protect children.