Narragansett Council

Safeguarding Youth Training

Scouting America is committed to protecting youth from harm. Because of this, all registered adult volunteers—regardless of position—must complete Youth Protection (Safeguarding Youth) training before registration can be finalized.

The training can be taken online through My.Scouting.

How to Complete the Training

You can access the required training in one of the following ways:

Scouting America’s Youth Protection Training works by creating a number of barriers to abuse. Including:

  • LEADERSHIP SELECTION: Scouting America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. We work closely with our chartered organizations to help recruit the best possible leaders for their units.
  • REQUIRED TRAINING: Scouting America requires Youth Protection Training for all registered volunteers prior to registration.
  • OPEN PROGRAM: All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders. Parents are encouraged to attend all Scouting activities.
  • PRIVACY OF YOUTH AND ADULT MEMBERS: Privacy for all youth and adult members is safeguarded by BSA policy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of members and protect their own privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp. No youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his or her own parent or guardian.
  • “TWO-DEEP” LEADERSHIP: Scouting has a strict “two-deep” leadership policy, which requires at least two adults be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted, including texting and communications on social media.
  • 72 Hour Rule: 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. (This requirement refers to any Scouting event that lasts more than 72 hours like Summer Camp.)
  • MANDATORY REPORTING: Scouting policies require prompt reporting of any reasonable suspicions of inappropriate conduct with youth to law enforcement.
  • SCOUTS FIRST HELPLINE: Dedicated 24/7 Scouts First Helpline to report any suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior. 1-844-SCOUTS1 OR 1-844-726-8871

The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program, and the best training are offered. Over the past two years, the Scouting America has worked with experts in the field of child abuse, child sexual abuse and maltreatment to develop new training and resources that will further strengthen our ability to protect youth. These changes include:

  • Fully updated and revised Youth Protection Training developed with leaders in the field of child abuse prevention and includes insights from experts, survivors and the latest strategies for recognizing and preventing major forms of abuse. This is the designated Youth Protection training for all adults. All modules must be completed.
  • Expanded youth protection content across all our communications channels will inform and engage our volunteers and parents.
  • An expanded ScoutsFirst Helpline to aid volunteers and families in addressing potentially dangerous situations. 1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871)
  • The BSA also provides unlimited counseling and support for healing to anyone who has ever been abused in Scouting.

Resources

There are two types of Youth Protection related reporting procedures all volunteers must follow:

  • When you witness or suspect any child has been abused or neglected—See “Mandatory Report of Child Abuse” below.
  • When you witness a violation of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies—See “Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies” below.

Mandatory Report of Child Abuse

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. You may not abdicate this reporting responsibility to any other person.

It is important to note that all states allow immunity from criminal and civil liability for good-faith reporting of suspected abuse, even if it is later determined to be unfounded.

Steps to Reporting Child Abuse

  1. Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
  2. In cases of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. In addition, if the suspected abuse is in the Scout’s home or family, you are required to contact the child abuse hotline for the state where the child resides.
  3. Notify the Scout executive or his designee at the Narragansett Council. (401-351-8700)
  4. If you are unable to contact someone at the Narraganset Council you can contact the National Scouts First Hotline 1-844-SCOUTS1 OR 1-844-726-8871

Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies

If you think any of the BSA’s Youth Protection policies have been violated, including those described within Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, you must notify your local council Scout executive or his/her designee so appropriate action can be taken for the safety of our Scouts.