Module Four: Youth Protection

Basic Youth Protection Requirements

The Boy Scouts of America has adopted a number of policies aimed at eliminating opportunities for abuse within the scouting program. These policies focus on leadership selection and on placing barriers to abuse within the program.

The BSA has adopted the following policies (among others) 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.

The Girl Scouts of the United States of America has adopted similar policies, as outlined in their publication of mandatory requirements.

Two-Deep Leadership

Two registered adult leaders or one registered leader and a parent of a participant, one of whom must be 21 years of age or older, are required during all interactions with youth members.

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. If two counselors aren’t available, the parent of one of the participants or another adult not related to the counselor should be present in the area. If a religious emblems session must take place with one youth and one adult, the session must not be in a closed space where the two are alone.  A meeting room, rectory, or similar location is acceptable if the room is open, if at least one other adult is present in the area, and if that adult may view completely the activities where the session is being held. A meeting in the home of the scout or the counselor is acceptable, if there is another adult present, who is not related to the adult counselor.

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.

Appropriate Attire

Proper clothing for scouting activities is always required.