Safety Comes First in Scouting
The Boy Scouts of America does its part to be proactive in assuring Scouting is a safe place for youth. This is why all adults are required to take Youth Protection Training. This is why summer camp staffs are required to have first aid, CPR, and safe work place trainings. This is why there are safety trainings in aquatics, shooting sports and whittling to name a few.
Please know, in Scouting Safety is PRIORITY NO. 1 and here is some helpful information on Scouting's efforts to make our program the best possible for all who are involved.
The safety of children in our programs is the most important priority of the Boy Scouts of America.
The BSA's safeguards highlighted below are key parts of our multilayered approach to help keep kids safe.
These measures were informed by respected expert in the fields of child safety, law enforcement, and child psychology, and are among the strongest safeguards found in any youth-serving organizations. View Scouting's Youth Safety Infographic.
View the Boy Scouts of America Youth Safety webpage for full details.
Scouting Is Safer Than Ever Before
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Mandatory Youth Protection Training
| The BSA mandates all volunteers complete our Youth Protection Training, developed by prominent child-safety experts, prior to any interaction with children in a BSA program. All volunteers must take the latest version of this training every two years. The training, which is regularly updated to include the latest strategies for recognizing, responding to and preventing abuse, covers multiple types of abuse including emotional abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse, among others. VIEW THE TRAINING |
Mandatory Background Checks
| The BSA's formal volunteer selection process includes criminal background checks and other screening efforts. VIEW DETAILS |
Ban on One-On-One Interactions
| The BSA prohibits adult leaders from having any one-on-one interaction with a Scout - either in person, online, over the phone, or via text. The BSA leadership policy requires that at least two youth-protection trained adults be present with youth at all times. |
Mandatory Reporting to Law Enforcement
| The BSA mandates that everyone in the organization reports any known or suspected abuse to law enforcement. BSA policy also removes individuals from the organization based on even an allegation of abuse. |
Volunteer Screening Database
| The BSA's Volunteer Screening Database is a tool the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends for all youth-serving organizations. Its purpose is to prevent individuals who should not work with youth from registering for Scouting. |
Other Key Resources
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE
| For assistance reporting suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior call the 24/7 Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-SCOUTS1 or 1-844-726-8871 or email scouts1st@scouting.org |
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