Youth Protection

Pack 2011, along with the national Scouting America organization, prioritizes the safety of our youth. We have strict rules about how our leaders interact with our youth, and how our leaders are trained and approved.

Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT, formerly YPT)

All Cub Scout leaders are required to complete Scouting America's Safeguarding Youth Training every year, to ensure they understand the rules and barriers to abuse expected at all our events. We encourage all our parents to take SYT also, to make sure that everyone understands the expectations, standards, and rules we follow to ensure our scouts are safe.

You can watch the video for parents on Understanding Safeguarding Youth Training at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EcoMswvWmo

To take SYT, go to my.scouting.org and create an account. You'll receive an email notification with your account information, including member ID/reference number. Once logged in, click "Menu" then "My Dashboard" from the menu list. The "My Training" page displays and allows you to take the Youth Protection training.

Leaders

Scouting America (SA) has a multilayered adult leader selection process that includes criminal background checks administered by a nationally recognized third party and other screening efforts. Click here for information on the selection process.

Leaders must take Youth Protection Training at least once every two years, and all leaders are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse.

Scouting's Barriers to Abuse

Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse are published in the Guide to Safe Scouting and the online version is maintained as the most current. Frequently-asked questions are also addressed in this FAQ.

Youth Protection in the Cub Scout Curriculum

Every year as part of our curriculum, Cub Scouts have conversations at home with their families designed to teach our scouts to recognize safe and unsafe situations. This includes reviewing the content in the "Youth Protection: How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse, A Parent's Guide" pamphlet, as well as watching the "Protect Yourself Rules" video appropriate for their grade.

STEPS TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE

As adults in Scouting, we are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. This means, each of us are required by law to report reasonable suspicions of abuse. As such, if we are approached by a child reporting abuse or neglect, we will always believe the child.

In the event of reasonable suspicions of abuse or neglect, the following steps are to be taken:

Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
In case of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
In addition, if the suspected abuse occurred in the Scout's home or family, you are required by state law to immediately report/contact the local child abuse hotline. In Virginia, that number is 1-800-552-7096.
Notify our Scout Executive or his/her designee. If they cannot be reached, call the 24/7 Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-726-8871 or email at scoutsfirst@scouting.org.

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