The Boy Scouts of America has adopted a number of polices that ensure that preconditions for child sexual abuse are not present within Scouting.

Leadership

The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members require that selection of leader be taken seriously and we work closely with our chartered organizations to help recruit the best possible leadership for their units.

The adult leader application requests background information and a public records background check is performed by the BSA on any newly registered leader.

We also can convey the message that the Scouting program is a hostile environment for individuals who want to abuse children.

All members of Pack 357 leadership are required to take Youth Protection Training. This training is included in Basic Leader Training recommended for all leaders, and is also available online (see the Resources page).

Unit leader selection committees should notify the Scout Executive anytime that they turn down an applicant due to questionable conduct discovered through their background check. In this way the individual can be prevented from becoming involved in other Scouting activities.

Creating External Barriers

The following policies have been adopted to provide additional security for youths in the program. In addition, they serve to protect adult leadership from situations in which they are vulnerable to allegations of abuse.

• 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 on all trips and outings.
• No one-on-one contact. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted. In the case of personal conferences, meetings are to be conducted in view of adults and youths.
• Respect of privacy. Adult leadership needs to respect the privacy of youth members in situations such as changing into swimming suits or taking showers at camp. Leaders also need to protect their own privacy in similar situations.
• Separate accommodations. When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian.
• Proper preparation for high-adventure activities. Activities with elements of risk should never be undertaken without proper preparation, equipment, clothing, supervision, and safety measures.
• No secret organizations. There are no "secret" organizations recognized by the BSA. All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders.
• Appropriate attire. Proper clothing for activities is required — for example, skinny dipping is not appropriate as part of Scouting.
• Constructive discipline. Discipline used in Scouting should be constructive and reflect Scouting values. Corporal punishment is never permitted.
• Hazing prohibited. Physical hazing and initiations are prohibited and may not be included as part of any Scouting activity.
• Junior leader training and supervision. Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership techniques used by junior leaders and see that BSA policies are followed.

Adherence to these policies not only enhances the protection of our membership, buy ensures that the basic values of Scouting are preserved. Local councils are prepared to assist units in implementing these policies: for example, sharing leadership between units if two-deep leadership for campouts is a problem. All these policies are designed to create barriers to abuse within the Scouting program.

Parental Involvement

Parents participate in the protection of their children in several ways. In Scouting, parents are encouraged to accept leadership responsibilities, participate in outings and camping trips, and be willing to assist with unit activities.

Public record background checks are not performed on participating parents. However, if it comes to the attention of pack leadership that a participating adult has been convicted of a sexually oriented offense, that adult will be asked to refrain from presence or participation in any pack or den activities or events.

All parents receive important information concerning Scouting as part of their son's application form. This information is provided so that the parent can detect any deviation from the BSA's program and call it to the attention of the chartered organization or local council.