Health & Safety

Scouting Safely

Scouting America’s Commitment to Safety

In Scouting, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants. We are committed to abuse prevention by utilizing:
  • Mandatory youth protection training.
  • Criminal background checks.
  • Banning one-on-one adult and youth interactions.
  • Mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to law enforcement.
  • A volunteer screening database.

We are committed to injury and illness prevention by integrating safety measures in our handbooks, literature, and training materials, including the Guide to Safe Scouting. We expect leaders to use the four points of SAFE when delivering the program. SAFE Scouting measures include:

  • Youth are Supervised by qualified and trustworthy adults who set the example for safety.
  • Activities are Assessed for risks.
  • Pre-requisite Fitness and Skill levels are confirmed before participation.
  • Appropriate Equipment is utilized, and Environmental conditions are monitored.

When incidents do occur, we expect a timely, clear, and complete incident report. We are committed to learning from the data and modifying program guidance for the prevention of future occurrences.

YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING

BSA Youth Protection Mission Statement

True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and professionals to work within Scouting America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, territory, area, council, district, and unit levels.

To take Youth Protection training go to My.Scouting.org and create an account. You’ll receive an email notification with your account information, including a member ID/reference number.

From the My.Scouting.org portal, click Home then My Dashboard from the menu list. The My Training page displays to take Youth Protection training. Upon completion, you may print a training certificate to submit with a volunteer application. Your training will automatically be updated in our system and associated with the member ID/reference number issued when you created the account.

Looking for more information regarding Youth Protection, visit: Training – Youth Protection.  

Navigating Incidents: Guide for Units

The Navigating Incidents Guide for Units, designed to equip you with the tools and steps necessary to respond effectively to unexpected situations. This guide serves as a roadmap, outlining the steps to take when faced with an incident while prioritizing safety and appropriate action.

 If immediate assistance is needed in the handling of a sexual-abuse allegation, contact Scouts First Helpline: 1-844-SCOUTS1.

National Website for Incident Reporting

Resource: Incident 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.

Youth Protection/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.