New Resources
Click HERE to download the BSA Youth Safety Infographic
PA Legislation Concerning Child Protection
In 2014, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted 23 pieces of legislation, changing how Pennsylvania responds to child abuse. These laws requires that prospective employees and volunteers obtain criminal background checks and child abuse clearances. These laws also specify that all volunteers and employees are now “mandatory reporters” of child abuse.
For more information about these clearances (including dates by which they are expected to be completed), a comprehensive review of these 23 recent laws, and to complete the online components of these checks, please visit www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov
With questions directly related to Scouting and Youth Protection, please contact Scout Executive Dennis Dugan at 570-326-5121
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The following are required to register as an adult in the Susquehanna Council, BSA
1. Completed and Signed Adult Volunteer Application (signed by volunteer in two spots), signed by Committee Chair and the Chartered Organization Representative.
2. Youth Protection Certificate that does not expire within the current calendar year or proof of training via Training Tools (my.scouting.org, or Training Validation in myscouting.org). The BSA offers free Youth Protection Training online at my.scouting.org.
3. Position Specific Training Certificate or proof of training (same as above) unless registering as a member-at-large or Scouter Reserve. The BSA offers free online training for Pack, Troop, and Crew leaders and Committee Members as well as training for other positions such as Commissioners, New Member Coordinators, and more at my.scouting.org.
4. Pennsylvania Clearances (all can be found via www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov) These include:
a. Child Abuse History Clearance (Department of Human Services; Online Child Abuse History Clearance)
b. PA State Police Criminal Record Check (available online)
c. Waiver for FBI Clearances (confirming 10-year residence in Pennsylvania) OR the FBI Criminal Background Check (if not a 10-year resident) can be registered for here.
5. The necessary membership fees (including the Accident Insurance Fee during the rechartering period)
About Youth Protection
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. To maintain such an environment, the BSA developed numerous procedural and leadership selection policies and provides parents and leaders with resources for the Cub Scout, Scouts BSA and Venturing programs.
Leadership Selection
The Boy Scouts of 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.
The adult application requests background information that should be checked by the unit committee or the chartered organization before accepting an applicant for unit leadership. While no current screening techniques exist that can identify every potential child abuser, we can reduce the risk of accepting an abuser by learning all we can about an applicant for a leadership position—his or her experience with children, why he or she wants to be a Scout leader, and what discipline techniques he or she would use.
Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting
The BSA has adopted the following policies to provide additional security for our members. These policies are primarily for the protection of our youth members; however, they also serve to protect our adult leaders from false accusations of abuse.
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- Two-deep leadership. Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, or other adult, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required on all trips and outings. The chartered organization is responsible for ensuring that sufficient leadership is provided for all activities.
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- No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In situations that require personal conferences, such as a Scoutmaster’s conference, the meeting is to be conducted in view of other adults and youths.
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- Respect of privacy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp, and intrude only to the extent that health and safety require. Adults must protect their own privacy in similar situations.
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- Cameras, imaging, and digital devices. While most campers and leaders use cameras and other imaging devices responsibly, it has become very easy to invade the privacy of individuals. It is inappropriate to use any device capable of recording or transmitting visual images in shower houses, restrooms, or other areas where privacy is expected by participants.
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- Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian. Councils are strongly encouraged to have separate shower and latrine facilities for females. When separate facilities are not available, separate times for male and female use should be scheduled and posted for showers.
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- Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
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- No secret organizations. The Boy Scouts of America does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
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- Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required. For example, skinny-dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
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- Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting’s values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
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- Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
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- Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and ensure that BSA policies are followed.
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- Member responsibilities. All members of the Boy Scouts of America are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the principles set forth in the Scout Oath and Law. Physical violence, hazing, bullying, theft, verbal insults, drugs, and alcohol have no place in the Scouting program and may result in the revocation of a Scout’s membership in the unit.
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- Unit responsibilities. The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and the local council must approve the registration of the unit’s adult leader. Adult leaders of Scouting units are responsible for monitoring the behavior of youth members and interceding when necessary. Parents of youth members who misbehave should be informed and asked for assistance in dealing with it.
Digital Privacy
A key ingredient for a safe and healthy Scouting experience is the respect for privacy. Advances in technology are enabling new forms of social interaction that extend beyond the appropriate use of cameras or recording devices (see “Barriers to Abuse Within Scouting”). Sending sexually explicit photographs or videos electronically or “sexting” by cell phones is a form of texting being practiced primarily by young adults and children as young as middle-school age. Sexting is neither safe, nor private, nor an approved form of communication and can lead to severe legal consequences for the sender and the receiver. Although most campers and leaders use digital devices responsibly, educating them about the appropriate use of cell phones and cameras would be a good safety and privacy measure.
The “three R’s” of Youth Protection
The “three R’s” of Youth Protection convey a simple message to youth members:
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- Recognize situations that place you at risk of being abused, how child abusers operate, and that anyone could be a abuser.
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- Resist unwanted and inappropriate attention. Resistance will stop most attempts at molestation and abuse.
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- Report attempted or actual molestation and abuse to a parent or other trusted adult. This prevents further abuse and helps to protect other children. Let the Scout know he or she will not be blamed for what occurred.
Key Resources
Guide to Safe Scouting
The purpose of the Guide to Safe Scouting is to prepare adult leaders to conduct Scouting activities in a safe and prudent manner.
It Happened to Me: Cub Scout Meeting Guide
Video Facilitator Guides. A sample letter to parents and guardians as well as English and Spanish meeting guides for facilitators’ use when showing the age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention video.
A Time to Tell: Troop Meeting Guide
Video Facilitator Guides. English and Spanish meeting guides for facilitators’ use when showing the age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention video.
Youth Protection Meeting Guide (Venturing Program)
Video Facilitator Guides. A sample letter to parents and guardians as well as English and Spanish meeting guides for facilitators’ use when showing the age-appropriate sexual abuse prevention video.
Camp Leadership … A Guide for Camp Staff and Unit Leaders
Brochure for unit leaders and camp staff who are responsible for providing a safe and healthy camp setting where Scouts are free from the worries of child abuse.