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Keeping Kids Safe

Scouting America places the greatest importance on maintaining the most secure environment possible for our youth members.

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The unfortunate truth is that child abuse – sexual or otherwise – can and does occur anywhere. The younger the victim, the more likely it is that the abuser is a family member*. But you should know that Scouting, thanks to decades of work, is one of the safest youth activities available today because of a culture of prevention between our members, parents, volunteers, and staff. Our policies, procedures, and training have evolved to learn from the past while also borrowing from best practices developed by leading experts in this field. Today, Scouting America’s youth protection practices are the “gold standard” among youth-serving organizations:

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“.. several independent child-protection experts told The Associated Press that the Scouts — though buffeted in the past by many abuse-related lawsuits — are now considered a leader in combating sexual abuse.

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‘The [Boy] Scouts have the most advanced policies and training,’ said Victor Vieth, a former prosecutor who heads the National Child Protection Training Center in Minnesota. ‘With even slight violations, there’s no debate. Someone who transgresses one of these rules is moved out — you don’t need to give them a second chance.'”

“Major youth groups make headway against sex abuse” by David Crary, Associated Press

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As has been the case since our program’s start in 1910, there are many more volunteer leaders and parents than there are professional Scouting employees. It is critical that every adult in our program – whether they are a uniformed leader or a parent of a Scout – knows and follows Scouting America’s Youth Protection policies; when adults follow Scouting America policies, Scouts stay safe. Here’s more on this point from Dr. Michael Bourke, PhD, Chief Psychologist with the Behavioral Analysis Unit, United States Marshal Service, and Chair of Scouting America’s Youth Protection Committee:

*Child Sexual Abuse Statistics (2014). Darkness to Light.

Report Suspected Abuse

Scouting America requires all leaders, volunteers, and staff members nationwide to immediately report any abuse allegation to local law enforcement:

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  1. Ensure the child is in a safe environment.

  2. In cases of child abuse or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately. Contact the Child Abuse Hotline to report a possible child abuse or neglect by either calling the State of Tennessee at 877-237-0004 or reporting through their secure online site at https://carat.app.tn.gov/carat/

  3. Notify the Deputy Scout Executive at vance.lackey@scouting.org

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We also actively share and encourage the use of our 24/7 Scouts First Helpline (call or text 1-844-726-8871 or by email at scouts1st@scouting.org) to report any suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior.

Adult-Youth Digital Communications

It’s critical that we all continue to keep youth protection top-of-mind whether our Scouting activities are taking place in person or through a digital platform. Of note, remember that Scouting America prohibits any one-on-one interaction between an adult leader and a Scout – in person, online, through a web conference, over the phone, via text, or in any other form.

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  • As it relates to social media, two-deep leadership means there should be no private messages and no one-on-one direct contact through email, or direct messaging, chats, instant messaging, or other similar messaging features provided through social media sites.

  • All communication between adults and youth should take place in a public forum (e.g. the Facebook wall), or at a bare minimum, electronic communication between adults and youth should always include one or more authorized adults openly “copied” (included) on the message or message thread.

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See all of Scouting America’s Social Media Guidelines by visiting this page on the national ScoutingWire page.

Policy Regarding Registered Sex Offenders

Scouting America takes seriously its responsibility to ensure that the program is delivered in a safe, responsible and secure manner. Participation in Scouting is a privilege. In this regard, Scouting America and the Middle Tennessee Council will determine who will be allowed to participate in the program. Any person who is a Registered Sex Offender or has been convicted of the following offenses will be automatically disqualified from participation in Scouting activities:

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  • a history of convictions involving abusive conduct including but not limited to abuse, assault, battery, or sex crimes

  • felony crimes of violence with or without use of a weapon

  • offenses involving the manufacture, distribution, possession with intent to distribute or felony possession of scheduled controlled substances

  • offenses involving acts or threats of terrorism

  • protective orders or pending petitions

  • any person who conceals or fails to disclose convictions for criminal offenses
     

Any person so disqualified cannot participate in Scouting activities or be present on Scout property.
 

Anyone who believes they merit an exception to this policy due to the age of the offenses, family relationship to a Scout or like circumstances MUST contact the Scout Executive before participating in any Scout activity or entering any Scout property.

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