The BSA’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.
Who is responsible for reporting and to whom ?
Youth, Leaders, and Parents should report any injuries, Events where someone almost got hurt, or when they feel there is a risk to themselves or others. To the unit leader, Event Orginizer, or Council Staff running the event. They will then work with reporter to complete and submit a incident/Near Miss Report to the Council office within a few hours of the event. These reports helps us to minimize risk of an injury in the future. For example if we get a reports that shows that someone got hurt due to ice on the ground, Then we will look at the cause and what we can do to better the situation. It maybe as simple as more Salt and removing Snow. or Building a roof over a doorway.
Navigating Incidents: Guide for Units
BSA Incident Reporting: General Questions FAQs
Leatherstocking Council Local Youth Protection Policy
In order to provide the safest Scouting program possible to the young men and women of the Leatherstocking Council, effective immediately, As per the Leatherstocking Council Executive Board’s approved policy, all adults must take the BSA Youth Protection Training annually and will be suspended if not in compliance with the Council policy. This policy is a Council best practice put in place to better ensure the safety of Scouts in our program. So, while the certificate will state that the training is valid for two years, it is only valid locally for one.
To clarify, all Scouters age 18 and above must take YPT annually before their current Youth Protection Certificate is a year old. This means that if you took Youth Protection on April 5 last year you must retake the course before or on April 5th this year.
If you do not know the date you took the training course, please log in to your my.scouting.org account, Scoutbook account or ask your unit leader. When in doubt retake the course.
Questions
What does a Scout need to do if they are turning 18?
Scouts and Explorer Members should complete YPT and turn in an adult Application the week of their 18th birthdays. If they are an Exploring member, they are still considered a Youth until they turn 21. If they choose not to stay registered after they turn 18, they need to contact the Scout Office and request their membership to be expired. National Policy is if the Scout is at a Scouting Event like camp they are to complete the Event as a youth. Members have 30 Days to submit their Adult applicaition. If you have questions please contact your District Executive or call/visit the Scout Office.
A Scout in a Scouts BSA Troop should register as a Unit College Reserve 92U if they plan to be an active member of the Unit as an adult leader. This Position only requires Youth Protection Training and gives the Scouter 6 months to take the required training if they choose to take another Position such as Assistant Scoutmaster.
Where Can I learn more about Youth Protection?
Visit the National YPT Page the page is constantly being updated
- Youth Protection Reporting Procedures for Volunteers
- Understanding and Preventing Youth-on-Youth Abuse Training Materials
- Other Key Resources
For more information on Safety in Scouting, please visit the national website.
Use of Saftey Moments
We encourage all units and anytime Scouters gather for a meeting or activity that they go over one of the many Safety Moments provided by National. These Safety Moments articles will help to bring awareness on some type of risk and how to minimize it. If you don’t see a Safety Moment on a topic please share the topic with your DE who will share it with the Risk Management Team.