Understanding and
Preventing
Youth-on-Youth Abuse
Training for
Unit Leaders and Staff
FACILITATOR’S GUIDE
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 2
©2018 Scouting U, Boy Scouts of America
All rights reserved. No part of this product may be reproduced, distributed, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or
other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of
the publisher.
Document Revision Date: 12/19/2018
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Symbol Key ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Background ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Youth-on-Youth Incidents ............................................................................................................... 8
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 9
The Facts ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Now Is the Time ............................................................................................................................ 10
Youth and Medication .................................................................................................................. 11
Situational Awareness................................................................................................................... 11
Experience ................................................................................................................................. 12
“Youth-Led” Requires Appropriate Supervision ........................................................................... 13
Camp and Training Traditions vs. the BSA Program ..................................................................... 15
Bullying Is a Growing Problem ...................................................................................................... 17
Bullying ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Bullying at Camp or Training: Situational Awareness ............................................................... 18
Recognize the Upstander .............................................................................................................. 21
Scouts First Helpline ...................................................................................................................... 21
Lack of Respect/Harassment of Coed Staff and Participants ....................................................... 23
Harassment ................................................................................................................................... 24
Create a Culture for a Safe Environment ...................................................................................... 24
Invasions of Privacy ................................................................................................................... 25
Privacy Invasions by Youth ........................................................................................................ 25
Inappropriate Behavior ................................................................................................................. 27
Consensual and Nonconsensual Relationships – Youth-on-Youth ............................................... 28
Reporting................................................................................................................................... 29
Question .................................................................................................................................... 29
Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse ......................................................................................................... 31
Responding to Policy Violations and Abuse .............................................................................. 31
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse ....................................................................................... 32
Reporting Serious Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies ................................................ 33
Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 37
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Symbol Key
Content to state or share with participants
Question to ask participants and start conversation
Instructor notes and explanations
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Background
The Boy Scouts of America places the greatest importance on creating the safest environment
possible for our youth members. The organization’s leadership has identified a need to provide
additional Youth Protection training to unit leaders and staff regarding the prevention of youth-
on-youth incidents that may occur during Scouting camp activities. Although the clear majority
of youth enjoy a safe and wholesome experience at camp, negative and dangerous interactions
are always possible. We need to be aware of not only the types of abuse that can occur between
one or more youth participants but also how to build safeguards into Scout meetings, outings,
and other activities to reduce or eliminate incidents. These leaders must be prepared so they can
try to prevent incidents as well as recognize, react, and report when issues arise.
The BSA has created this facilitator-led syllabus with accompanying PowerPoint presentation for
BSA staff, training staff and unit leaders. This course covers how to prevent, recognize, respond
to, and report inappropriate youth-on-youth behavior. The training is designed to be delivered by
the camp or course directors to staff and leaders.
Emphasis has been placed on leader, volunteer, and professional responsibilities to prevent and
reduce youth-on-youth incidents from occurring, utilizing established policies, procedures, and
tools such as the response questionnaire for youth-on-youth incidents—and most importantly,
leading by example. References to leader and staff are interchangeable throughout this lesson
plan.
The module will provide instruction and talking points. Please note that some of these topics may
be difficult to discuss. This training is designed to be a safe place for discussion of these topics
before we face the tough situations in real life.
In addition, because camps and training courses are held in states across the United States, it is
important that anyone running a camp or training course be aware of the reporting requirements
for their specific state.
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Page Left Intentionally Blank
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Youth-on-Youth Incidents
Time: 10 minutes
Objectives
The overall objective of this course is to improve the ability of seasonal staff, training staff and
unit leaders to prevent, recognize, respond to, and report inappropriate youth-on-youth
behavior, including inappropriate sexual behavior, that might occur in any Scouting program.
• Discuss ways to reduce or prevent inappropriate youth-on-youth behavior.
• Recognize inappropriate youth-on-youth behavior, including inappropriate sexual behavior.
• Respond to inappropriate youth-on-youth behavior.
• State the BSA requirements for reporting inappropriate youth-on-youth behavior.
• Demonstrate the ability to accurately assess and respond to youth-on-youth incidents.
Materials
• PowerPoint presentation
• Flip charts and markers
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Introduction
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Youth-on-youth incidents are something we would
rather not talk or even think about, but we must.
Abuse does not always fit neatly into one category or
a typical pattern or type of behavior. It may cross
into multiple areas, including bullying, hazing,
physical contact, sexual talk, initiations, games,
exposure to inappropriate materials, and sexual
contact and assault. It may be a single incident or
evolve over several escalating incidents.
It’s important that we remind everyone that youth-on-
youth abuse can occur in Scouting during any
activity, but especially where observation or adult
supervision is limited. This includes overnight
activities and events that occur in less-structured
environments as well as secluded areas in regular
meeting places. Higher risk situations include
overnight hotel stays, overnight tenting and
camping, and situations involving group latrine
and/or showering facilities. Other factors may
include youth with known and serious cognitive and
behavior issues.
All adult leaders and youth members have a
responsibility for acting in accordance with the Scout
Oath and Scout Law. Physical violence, sexual
activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse,
unauthorized weapons, hazing, discrimination,
harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying,
theft, verbal insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography
have no place in the Scouting program and may
result in revocation of membership.
This training cannot cover all possible types of
incidents. Remember that good judgment, common
sense, and placing the safety of the Scout first will
always be of paramount importance. For more
information, please see the BSA’s Guide to Safe
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Scouting and other Youth Protection resources
available at www.scouting.org.
The Facts
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Shows gender of target and age of perpetrator.
• More than one-third of serious physical and sexual
abuse incidents are committed by youth according
to the U.S. Department of Justice, Juvenile Justice
Bulletin, 2009, “Juveniles Who Commit Sex
Offenses Against Minors”.
• Nearly one out of every four students or 22
percent report being bullied during the school
year according to the National Center for
Education Statistics, 2015. Further, 19.6 percent
of high school students report being bullied at
school in the past year; 14.8 percent report being
bullied online (Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 2014).
• Research indicates the peak age for male youth
offenders is age 13 to 16.
• Targets of (sexual) abuse tend to be boys and girls
three to five years of age younger than the
perpetrator.
• Sexual experimentation can lead to abuse.
• Youth offenders who groom and abuse can be of
any age or demographic.
Now Is the Time
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
• Youth safety can be leveraged into a culture.
o Youth watching out for youth
o Willingness to tell adults what they see and
fear
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•
Leaders and staff must foster a safe environment
by building on the youth-driven culture of keeping
peers safe from harm.
• Youth have become acutely aware of safety issues
due to school shootings and media coverage of
national abuse cases.
Youth and Medication
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
One area to be aware of is that more and more youth
are taking medication for behavioral and cognitive
issues. Staff, training staff and unit leaders are
encouraged to inquire about known issues at pre-
camp and leader meetings to ensure a positive
experience for all. Unit leaders and staff should be
aware that medications can be a factor in behavioral
issues.
Unit leadership should coordinate and communicate
with Camp Directors and need to know staff on any
medication and behavior issues
Situational Awareness
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
The effectiveness of the BSA’s Youth Protection
program depends on the commitment of every leader
to remain situationally aware and be willing to act
when indicated. The consequences of one incident
can be devastating for all involved.
Simply put, situational awareness is being aware of
everything going on around you. It means adopting
an attitude that recognizes that if it does not seem or
sound right, the situation mandates further
investigation (awareness).
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Youth protection can be achieved only through the
shared involvement of everyone in Scouting. If we fail
to keep our Scouts safe, the consequences can be
devastating to the youth, family, and unit.
Experience
Staff and unit leaders should be mindful of older
staff and youth members going into the cabins and
tents of younger staff and youth members and
performing an “initiation”. Examples include holding
down the target, so the “initiation” can be performed.
This is hazing and must be stopped. At a minimum,
it may be classified as a criminal offense, but it could
be considered an assault or a sexual assault.
Solutions include:
• Addressing this activity as a part of the sexual
harassment training for all camp and youth
leadership training staff. This training is in
addition to the unlawful sexual harassment
training that is required of all staff. Many
incidents occur during the operation of summer
camp and youth leadership training courses
that fall outside of this training.
• Assigning a staff resident advisor in each cabin.
This RA is responsible for each member of the
cabin (eight to a cabin).
• In staff settings, having separate conversations
with each age group and gender about
appropriate behavior, locations and situations
where they are and are not allowed, appropriate
attire, appropriate interactions, and hazing.
• Reinforcing the policy that NO adults or adult
participants (over 18) are to be in the youth
(under 18) lodging.
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“Youth-Led” Requires
Appropriate Supervision
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
BSA Policy:
• Youth leadership and Scout behavior is
monitored by adult leaders.
Areas of Concern:
• Increasing number of youth abuse incidents,
damage to property, fights, and Code of
Conduct violations
• Group and cyber bullying
• Sexual experimentation
• Harassment (gender, gender identity,
race, religion, nationality, etc.)
• Invasion of privacy
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Areas of Emphasis:
• Youth protection is not a check the box
training - Understanding the dynamics of
longer-term camping and training courses
• Continuous presence - Leaders not taking a
break/backseat
• Unsupervised and inappropriate discipline -
Leaving discipline to youth/camp staff
• Turning a blind eye to pranks/vandalism -
Adopting a “They are just kids being kids”
attitude
• Incident numbers increasing as camp
progresses
• Impermissible traditions and rituals vs.
approved program
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PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Recommendations:
• Facilitate a youth-led but adult supervised
program.
• Monitor youth leadership and behavior.
• Provide adequate leadership including the
investigation of “sights and sounds.” Especially
at night.
• Actively engage and intervene.
• Discuss lights out and bed checks.
• Present pre-camp Youth Protection sessions.
• Discuss differences in the roles of camp staff
and adult unit leaders.
• Leaders serve in a guidance capacity and may
never abdicate that responsibility.
• Leaders anticipate, identify, and monitor high-
risk areas specific to programs.
• Encourage a “when in doubt” ask questions
culture
• Random tent/bed checks adhering to Youth
Protection policies
What are some incidents you have encountered in the past that were
aggravated by lack of adult supervision? How can we plan so that these
things do not happen in the future?
Keep the conversation focused and specific, working to identify and plan
for known concerns.
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Camp and Training
Traditions vs. the BSA
Program
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Areas of Concern:
• Traditions that are not authorized or are
prohibited in BSA programs may, in fact, be
abuse, harassment, bullying, hazing,
initiations, or violations of the Scout Oath, Scout
Law, and state law.
o Initiations and humiliating acts such as
paddling, blindfolding, nudity, etc.
o Tying up or restraining
o Requiring singing or other acts to
recover lost items
• Even innocent challenges can get out of hand
o Taunting due to physical inability to
swim, run or do push-ups
o Loss of competition due to individual
performance
Examples include initiations and humiliating acts
such as paddling a Scout; tying a Scout to a tree;
forcing a Scout to sing for lost items; or taunting
due to physical limitations such as failure to run or
the inability to do push-ups.
Are you aware of some other activities or areas of concern?
How can we address these concerns so that they do not happen in
Scouting?
Keep the conversation focused and specific, working to identify and plan
for known areas of concerns.
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Areas of Emphasis:
• Youth or, worse, adults saying, “It’s tradition;
we have always done it”
• Adults turning a blind eye to avoid dealing
with it or implicitly accepting the behavior
• Evening and nighttime hours
• Scouts engaging in unsupervised activities in
secluded areas
• New-to-Scouting youth and younger youth
victimized by older youth seeking retaliation
for when they were abused, hazed, or initiated
• Fear of being “the one” to break or end the
“tradition”
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Bullying Is a Growing
Problem
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Bullying is a widespread and serious societal problem
that has a negative impact on the “target.” (We do not
use the term “victim.”) Nationally, more than one-
third of serious physical and sexual abuse incidents
occur at the hands of other youth who are older or in
positions of leadership and able to manipulate using
their size or knowledge difference. In Scouting,
outdoor settings may provide opportunities when
continuous adult supervision is not possible.
Bullying can occur in latrines and showers or other
areas where there is limited adult supervision. All
forms of bullying can be contributing factors to self-
harm and suicidal thoughts.
Bullying
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
BSA Policy:
• No hazing
• No bullying
• No initiations
• No secret organizations
• Constructive discipline
• Scout Oath and Scout Law
• Scouter Code of Conduct
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Bullying at Camp or Training: Situational
Awareness
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Areas of Concern:
• Group/gang bullying (roving bully groups) of
youth away from their home unit
• Pushing youth out of meal lines
• Pinning, threatening, or touching youth in
restroom or shower facilities
• Making fun of/targeting youth with disabilities
and other perceived differences that include
obesity, sexual orientation, minority or social
status, or religious faith
• Pantsing, pulling back/down shower curtains
• Ridicule or group verbal abuse, including
serious or excessive teasing (i.e., merit badge
or group activities)
• Name calling
• Insulting nicknames
• Derogatory statements about social status,
religion, national origin, race, color, ancestry,
sexual orientation, disability, personal
appearance, intelligence, habits, hobbies,
school performance, physical size, ability,
appearance, and similar personal subjects
Areas of Emphasis:
• Large environment and anonymity of camp
setting conducive to negative behavior
• Difficulty identifying culprits due to multiple
units unknown to each other
• Fear of reprisal
• Fear by targeted and victimized youth
• Unengaged leaders
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Unfortunately, most incidents of abuse of youth are
not stopped and go unreported. This occurs for
several reasons:
• Youth are often afraid no one will believe them,
or they will not be accepted if they say
something about the abuse.
• The youth may feel responsible or blame
themselves for the abuse or feel that others will
see them as weak for “letting” it happen or not
standing up for themselves.
• Some youth may have participated in an activity
and later regretted it or realized that they were
manipulated. Youth are often intimidated by the
perpetrator, whether an adult, older youth, or
peer. And the unknown can be a scary thing.
What will happen to them or the perpetrator if
they speak up?
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Recommendations:
• Scout-like behavior does not include any form
of abusive behavior. Participating or engaging
in abuse may result in immediate removal from
camp activities and Scouting. Abuse will be
reported to law enforcement when appropriate
or required.
• See it, stop it, report it. Remove perpetrators
immediately if warranted.
• Require more adult supervision in target areas
(latrines, changing areas, showers).
• Hold pre-camp meeting to explicitly state
behaviors that will not be tolerated.
• Put an emphasis on large buddy groups for
safety.
• Emphasize to youth that voicing opinions is OK
and safe.
• Discuss bystander/upstander responsibility.
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•
Recognize those who report/upstanders.
• Pass information up the chain
You are the key to creating a safe, environment for
Scouting youth. You define the expectations. Experts
say that leaders can sometimes tell when a youth
who is new to the unit may become a target for
bullying. Individual factors such as temperament,
social competence, physical condition (e.g.,
overweight/underweight), speaking another language
at home, special health-care needs, perceived
differences (e.g., sexual identity or orientation,
race/ethnicity, religion), or the presence of a
disability may put a youth at greater risk of being
bullied. Leaders should be reminded to identify these
youth and take measures to help ensure their smooth
integration into the unit.
Leader intervention is key, because youth may be
reluctant to report abuse. It is important to repeat
key messages, reinforce the Scout Oath and Scout
Law, and encourage youth reporting. Youth need to
understand that it is their role to watch out for
others
and it’s OK to report all abuse and safety concerns to
leaders.
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Recognize the Upstander
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
An upstander is someone who takes action,
particularly when the easiest or most acceptable
course is to be a bystander and do nothing. An
upstander in Scouting always applies the Barriers to
Abuse and the Scout Oath and Scout Law, and does
not allow another to be bullied, harassed, or abused.
• Be an upstander; get involved.
o If you see something, stop it.
o If you know or suspect something, report
it.
o If you are not sure, seek advice from an
expert.
Scouts First Helpline
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Bullying is a serious issue that requires immediate
intervention by adults.
In instances where there is a threat of physical harm
or serious mental health concerns, immediately
report to law enforcement and the Scout executive,
and if unavailable, contact the Scouts First Helpline at
844-Scouts1 (844-726-8871).
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Ensure notification has been made to the
parents/guardian.
What are some bullying incidents you have encountered in the past? How
were these incidents dealt with? Is there anything we can plan to do so
that these things do not happen in the future?
Keep the conversation focused and specific, working to identify and plan
for known concerns.
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Lack of Respect/Harassment
of Coed Staff and
Participants
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Areas of Concern:
• Unwanted sexual or suggestive advances and
harassment
• Verbal harassment and use of disrespectful
terms
• Unwanted touching
This is an overlooked area of preparation for
scouting activities. Nearly all camps and training
courses have coed staff and participants. Many youth
attending camp have not experienced a resident
situation with coed peers. It’s important that all
Scouts understand what is expected of them with
regard to their behavior and how to interact with co-
ed staff and participants.
Areas of Emphasis:
• Jokes, smirks, photo taking, pointing, ogling
• “Peeping Tom” activities in private areas
• Leaders and youth “leering” at others in pools,
lakefront, climbing wall areas
• Game such as “Guess What Color?” and
“ranking” other youth or staff
• Leader comments such as “Females don’t
belong at camp” and “Females are inferior
counselors”
•
Failure of leadership to prepare youth by setting
proper expectations and providing proper
examples
• Immature youth in coed environment
• Youth not accustomed to being around
members of the opposite sex
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These and other like behaviors will NOT be tolerated.
Harassment
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Define Expectations:
• Immediately and appropriately call attention to
the behavior—be obvious that action is being
taken without causing shame or
embarrassment.
• Use the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and Code of
Conduct as tools.
• Require respectful conduct by all leaders, staff,
and youth.
• Make it clear that sexual matters of any type
have no place in Scouting—including
relationships, discussions, and online content.
Create a Culture for a Safe
Environment
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Recommendations:
• Post information on the Scouts First Helpline (1-
844-726-8871), which offers 24/7 reporting
and support.
• Give youth permission/encouragement to report
to “protect your own.”
• Explain the difference between bystanders and
upstanders.
• Recognize upstander behavior in an
appropriate manner.
• Encourage group reflection on expected
behavior.
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What are some incidents you have encountered in the past? Remember
that the issue may not just be coed. There may be same-sex incidents we
need to be aware of as well. How can we plan so that these things do not
happen in the future?
Keep the conversation focused and specific, working to identify and plan
for known concerns.
Invasions of Privacy
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Having and enforcing BSA and camp policies on the
use of cellphones, tablets, and cameras can do a lot
to help prevent the invasion of others’ privacy. As a
part of those policies, electronic devices should
never be allowed in restrooms or any other places
where privacy is expected. If a device is found in
one of those areas, secure the device and
immediately notify the camp director or Scout
executive.
Privacy Invasions by Youth
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
BSA Policy:
• Inappropriate use of smartphones, cameras, or
imaging or digital devices is prohibited.
• Respect privacy of all.
Areas of Concern:
• Youth taking inappropriate pictures of
themselves, other Scouts, and staff
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•
Possible involvement of adult cyberpredators,
posing as a youth, without the youth’s
knowledge
• Permanency and worldwide availability of
images uploaded to the internet
• Possibility of uploaded images leading to
embarrassment, extortion, and sextortion
Areas of Emphasis:
• Wide availability of smartphones for youth
• The ease of taking pictures/videos
• The ease of uploading and sharing
images/videos
• Apps like Snapchat that make it difficult for
police to recover sent/shared/deleted sexting
images
Recommendations:
• Abide by the camp policy for the use of
cellphones and tablets before camp begins,
share the policy with campers, and then follow
through.
• Do not allow devices in restrooms.
• Immediately notify your camp director if an
incident occurs.
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Inappropriate Behavior
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Leaders and staff understand that teenagers and
young adults are confronted with complicated social
norms that can create risky and even dangerous
situations in the form of inappropriate games,
experimentation, or other activities. These do not
belong in Scouting and violate Youth Protection
guidelines. Scouting and camps must be safe spaces
free from this behavior.
BSA Policy:
• Adult leaders and youth members share the
responsibility for the safety of all participants
in the program, including adherence to Youth
Protection and health and safety policies.
• Everyone is responsible for acting in
accordance with the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
• Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional
abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons,
hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation
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rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal
insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography have
no place in the Scouting program and may
result in revocation of membership.
• For more information, please see the BSA’s
Guide to Safe Scouting and other Youth
Protection resources available at
www.scouting.org.
Youth abusers may use enticements, gifts, game
playing, initiation
and favoritism as a ruse to engage
younger and impressionable youth into
inappropriate activities. Some youth may use a
technique such as, “Let me give you” or “Let me
show you” things like porn, alcohol, drugs, tobacco,
or other inappropriate materials or say things like,
“You’re so much more mature than the other Scouts
your age.”
Consensual and
Nonconsensual
Relationships
– Youth-on-Youth
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
BSA policy clearly states that sexual activity and all
forms of public displays of affection are prohibited.
Public displays of affection include holding hands,
frontal embraces, and kissing.
• It is natural for youth to create relationships
and friendships.
• Supervision, monitoring, and communication by
adult leaders and camp staff are key elements
in preventing the following:
o Youth engaging in any form of sexual
activity
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o Youth engaging in abusive nonconsensual
sexual activity or relationships
o Youth attempting to meet up
o Inappropriate public displays of affection
and ALL sexual activity is prohibited in
Scouting.
Strict adherence to Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse is
key. Adult supervision during tenting and nighttime
activities is critical as well as monitoring high-risk
areas (e.g., restrooms and changing areas).
This also includes not assigning youth members
more than two years apart in age to sleep in the
same tent and enforcing policies prohibiting the use
of alcohol and drugs. Additional key barriers include
use of the buddy system and respect for privacy.
Reporting
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
All incidents of inappropriate activity involving sexual
matters, regardless of whether it is consensual, must
be investigated and reported to the camp or course
director.
Nonconsensual or abusive conduct must be reported
to law enforcement.
Inappropriate consensual conduct should normally
result in parental notification and immediate removal
from the program activity. Inappropriate activity may
also result in revocation of membership.
Question
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PowerPoint Slide – Optional
When dealing with youth about consensual and
abusive sexual activity, which of the following youth
protection policies reduce opportunities for sexual
activity to occur? (Choose all that apply.)
• Buddy system
• Adult supervision of risk areas
• Prohibition of drugs and alcohol
• Program leader communicating that sexual
activity is prohibited
• Lack of adult supervision
• Allowing youth of opposite sex to be alone and
get to know one another
• Allowing much older youth to take younger
youth somewhere to be alone
All Apply.
Allow time to discuss how these youth protection policies reduce
opportunities for sexual activity to occur.
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Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
The BSA has adopted policies for the safety and well-
being of its members. These policies primarily protect
youth members; however, they also serve to protect
adult leaders. Parents and youth using these
safeguards outside the Scouting program further
increase the safety of their youth. Those who serve in
positions of leadership and supervision with youth
outside the Scouting program will find these policies
help protect youth in those situations as well.
You should make sure that you and those you work
with in Scouting are aware of and follow these
policies. They can be found at:
www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
Responding to Policy Violations and
Abuse
There are two types of Youth Protection–related
reporting:
If you witness or suspect any child has been abused
or neglected, follow the BSA’s
Mandatory Reporting of
Child Abuse policy.
If there is a violation of the BSA’s Youth Protection
policies that put a youth at risk, follow the BSA’s
Reporting Violations of BSA Youth Protection Policies
guidelines.
A violation of BSA Youth Protection policies is not
always a case of child abuse. It may indicate a
potential for abuse or an action being misinterpreted
as a violation of a policy, such as no one-on-one
contact, which would require steps to educate the
violator. Common sense and good judgment must
always be used.
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Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
While the BSA has mandated that all Scouters are
required to report abuse (see Scouting’s Barriers to
Abuse), state reporting requirements vary. Immediate
notification to the camp director and/or the council
Scout executive is required. If unavailable contact
the Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-
726-8871) to ensure proper reporting has occurred.
See “Your Responsibility” (in Scouting’s Barriers to
Abuse).
All persons involved in Scouting must 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, or exposed to any form of
sexual exploitation, including the possession,
manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse
materials, online solicitation, enticement, or showing
of obscene material. No person may abdicate this
reporting responsibility to any other person. This
duty cannot be delegated to any other person. State
laws may mandate how and when abuse is reported;
local councils should provide that information to all
leaders.
Some states may define emotional abuse requiring
mandatory reporting to include serious forms of
bullying or harassment; be familiar with what your
state requires.
Because these reports are required by law, mandated
reporters of abuse should be told they are required to
report to proper authorities. Discuss allegations or
reports of abuse only with proper authorities, the
Scout executive, and the Scouts First Helpline (1-844-
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 33
SCOUTS1/1-844-726-8871). This helps prevent
rumors, speculation, and misinformation from being
disseminated.
Reporting Serious Violations
of BSA Youth Protection Policies
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
If you have reason to believe any of the BSA’s Youth
Protection policies, including those described within
Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse, have been violated and
that a youth was put at risk, you must immediately
notify the camp director or council Scout executive.
If unavailable, contact the Scouts First Helpline at 1-
844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871).
If you have reason to believe a BSA’s Youth Protection
policy or any of the Barriers to Abuse have have been
violated but no youth was put at risk it still must be
reported to the leader of the unit, program or event.
Incidents requiring immediate notification to the
Scout executive, camp director, Scouts First Helpline
(1-844-SCOUTS1/1-844-726-8871), or event leader
(and, if appropriate or requested, law enforcement
officials) include:
• Any threat or use of a weapon
• Any negative behavior associated with race, color,
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or
disability
•
Any situation where the BSA’s Mandatory Reporting
of Child Abuse policy or your state’s mandatory
reporting of child abuse laws apply
• Any abuse of a child that meets state reporting
mandates for bullying or harassment
• Any mention or threats of suicide (if necessary,
immediate additional action should be taken to
provide for the safety of the person making the
threat)
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 34
It’s imperative that all leaders demonstrate the ability
to accurately assess and respond to youth-on-youth
issues.
Summary
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Clear communication with leaders about expectations
is vital as leaders can help minimize the risk of youth-
on-youth incidents by active vigilance of the
environment and behavior of youth. Leaders should
ask questions or look into suspicious behavior or
circumstances, as well as curious sights and sounds.
By reinforcing and enforcing Youth Protection
guidelines, leaders help keep Scouts safe.
The BSA requires that abuse and youth protection
violations be properly reported, managed, and
documented. Remember that Scout safety and youth
protection are everyone’s business.
PowerPoint Slide – Optional
Allow time for additional questions.
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No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 37
Appendix
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No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 39
Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
Note to facilitator: Always check https://www.scouting.org/health-and-
safety/gss/gss01/#a for most recent version; print copies for your class.
Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its
members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to
protect adult leaders. All parents and caregivers should understand that our leaders are
to abide by these safeguards. Parents and youth are strongly encouraged to use these
safeguards outside the Scouting program. Registered leaders must follow these
guidelines with all Scouting youth outside of Scouting activities.
Registration Requirements
The chartered organization representative, or in their absence the executive
officer of the chartered organization, must approve the registration of the unit’s
adult leaders.
Registration includes:
• Completion of application including criminal background check and mandatory Youth Protection
training
• Volunteer Screening Database check
Current Youth Protection training is required for leaders when renewing their
registration or at unit charter renewal.
Adult program participants must register as adults and follow Youth Protection
policies.
Adult Supervision
Two registered adult leaders 21 years of age or over are required at all Scouting
activities, including meetings. There must be a registered female adult leader 21
years of age or over in every unit serving females. A registered female adult
leader 21 years of age or over must be present for any activity involving female
youth. Notwithstanding the minimum leader requirements, age- and program-
appropriate supervision must always be provided. (FAQ’s)
All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72
total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be
consecutive.
One-on-one contact between adult leaders and youth members is prohibited both
inside and outside of Scouting. (Transportation FAQ’s)
• In situations requiring a personal conference, the meeting is to be conducted with the
knowledge and in view of other adults and/or youth.
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 40
• Private online communications (texting, phone calls, chat, IM, etc.) must include another
registered leader or parent.
• Communication by way of social media (Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) must include another
registered leader or parent.
Discipline must be constructive.
• Discipline must reflect Scouting’s values.
• Corporal punishment is never permitted.
• Disciplinary activities involving isolation, humiliation, or ridicule are also prohibited.
Responsibility
Leaders must ensure that all participating in Scouting activities abide by
the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Adult leaders and youth members share the responsibility for the safety of all
participants in the program, including adherence to Youth Protection and health
and safety policies.
• Adult leaders are responsible for monitoring behavior and intervening when necessary.
• Physical violence, sexual activity, emotional abuse, spiritual abuse, unauthorized weapons,
hazing, discrimination, harassment, initiation rites, bullying, cyberbullying, theft, verbal
insults, drugs, alcohol, and pornography have no place in the Scouting program and may
result in revocation of membership.
All leaders are required to adhere to the Scouter Code of Conduct.
Accommodations
Separate accommodations for adult males and females and youth males and
females are required.
Tenting
• Separate tenting arrangements must be provided for male and female adults as well as for
male and female youth.
• Youth sharing tents must be no more than two years apart in age.
• In Cub Scouting, parents and guardians may share a tent with their family.
• In all other programs, youth and adults tent separately. (FAQ)
• Spouses may share tents.
Lodging/Cabin Accommodations
Whenever possible, separate cabins or lodging should be provided for male and
female adults as well as for male and female youth. Where separate
accommodations cannot be provided due to group size or limited availability,
modifications may be made. Where completely separate accommodations are not
available, additional supervision is required. (FAQ)
• If adults and youth of the same gender occupy single-room accommodations, there must be
a minimum of two adults and four youth, with all adults being Youth Protection trained.
• Physical separation by other means, including temporary barriers or space, should be used
only when no other arrangements are possible.
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 41
• These modifications are limited to single-gender accommodations.
Restrooms
Separate shower and latrine facilities should be provided for male and female
adults as well as for male and female youth. If separate facilities are not available,
separate times should be scheduled and posted.
Privacy of youth is respected.
• Adults and youth must respect each other’s privacy, especially in situations such as
changing clothes and taking showers at camp.
• Adult leaders should closely monitor these areas but only enter as needed for youth
protection or health and safety reasons.
Program Requirements
The buddy system should be used.
The use of smartphones, cameras, mirrors, drones, etc., in places or situations
where privacy is expected is prohibited.
All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and
leaders.
The BSA does not recognize any secret organizations as part of its program.
Hazing and initiations are prohibited and have no part during any Scouting
activity.
All forms of bullying and harassment including verbal, physical, and
cyberbullying are prohibited.
Inappropriate public displays of affection are prohibited.
Sexual activity is prohibited.
Appropriate attire is required for all activities.
Reporting Requirements
Adult leaders and youth members have a responsibility to recognize, respond to,
and report Youth Protection violations and abuse.
Reporting
Youth Protection Policy Violations
• Serious Youth Protection policy violations or behaviors that put a youth’s safety at risk must
be reported to the Scout executive.
• Alternatively, policy violations may be reported to the Scouts First Helpline when the Scout
executive is not available.
• Online reporting is also available at www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse
• All persons participating in Scouting programs are mandated reporters of child abuse.
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 42
• Reports must be made to local law enforcement and child protective services. State law may
require additional reporting.
• This reporting duty cannot be delegated to any other person.
• Reporting to the Scout executive or Scouts First Helpline ensures that follow-up can occur
for the safety of our Scouts. Scout executives and Scouts First coordinate follow-up actions.
Scouts First Helpline
As part of its “Scouts First” approach to the protection and safety of youth, the BSA has
established a dedicated 24-hour helpline to receive reports of known or suspected
abuse or behavior that might put a youth at risk.
1-844-SCOUTS1 (1-844-726-8871)
When to use it:
• Anytime you believe a youth has been harmed or their safety and wellbeing is at risk, and
you cannot immediately reach your Scout executive or local council.
• If a Scout is bullied because of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or
disability, and local help is unable to resolve the problem.
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 911.
BSA Incident Reporting Resources:
www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/incident-report/
Additional Resources:
Youth Protection Webpage
Youth Protection Training
Guide to Safe Scouting
Scouter Code of Conduct
State-by-state mandatory reporting information: www.childwelfare.gov
060118
No. 430-149 (2018 Revision) Page | 43
Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct
On my honor, I promise to do my best to comply with this Boy Scouts of America Scouter Code of Conduct while
serving in my capacity as an adult leader:
1. I have or will complete my registration with the Boy Scouts of America, answering all questions truthfully
and honestly.
2. I will do my best to live up to the Scout Oath and Scout Law, obey all laws, and hold others in Scouting
accountable to those standards. I will exercise sound judgment and demonstrate good leadership and use
the Scouting program for its intended purpose consistent with the mission of the Boy Scouts of America.
3. I will make the protection of youth a personal priority. I will complete and remain current with youth
protection training requirements. I will be familiar with and follow:
a. BSA youth protection policies and guidelines, including mandatory reporting:
www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/
b. The Guide to Safe Scouting: www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/gss/
c. The Sweet Sixteen of BSA Safety: www.scouting.org/health-and-safety/resources/sweet16/
4. When transporting Scouts, I will obey all laws, comply with youth protection guidelines, and follow safe
driving practices.
5. I will respect and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the Boy Scouts of America, BSA policies, and BSA-
provided training, including but not limited to, those relating to:
a. Unauthorized fundraising activities
b. Advocacy on social and political issues, including prohibited use of the BSA uniform and brand
c. Bullying, hazing, harassment, and unlawful discrimination of any kind
6. I will not discuss or engage in any form of sexual conduct while engaged in Scouting activities. I will refer
Scouts with questions regarding these topics to talk to their parents or spiritual advisor.
7. I confirm that I have fully disclosed and will disclose in the future any of the following:
a. Any criminal suspicion, charges or convictions of a crime or offense involving abuse, violence,
sexual misconduct, or any misconduct involving minors or juveniles
b. Any investigation or court order involving domestic violence, child abuse, or similar matter
c. Any criminal charges or convictions for offenses involving controlled substances, driving while
intoxicated, firearms, or dangerous weapons.
8. I will not possess, distribute, transport, consume, or use any of the following items prohibited by law or in
violation of any Scouting rules, regulations, and policies:
a. Alcoholic beverages or controlled substances, including marijuana.
b. Concealed or unconcealed firearms, fireworks, or explosives.
c. Pornography or materials containing words or images inconsistent with Scouting values.
9. If I am taking prescription medications with the potential of impairing my functioning or judgment, I will
not engage in activities which would put Scouts at risk, including driving or operating equipment.
10. I will take steps to prevent or report any violation of this code of conduct by others in connection with
Scouting activities.
___________________________________________ ____________________
Signature Date
