What is Youth Protection Training ?

For over three quarters of a century, the Boy Scouts of America has worked to develop the character, citizenship, and personal fitness of America's youth. We realize that the future of our society is vested in each successive generation and the values inherited.
 

As a major youth-serving organization, the Boy Scouts of America has a unique opportunity to help protect the youth of our nation. In addition to helping families address the problem of child abuse, the Boy Scouts of America is exemplary among youth-serving agencies in recognizing the potential threat that child abuse poses to young people and has adopted a comprehensive set of policies and procedures designed to ensure that Scouting continues to be safe for all participants.

BSA Youth Protection Training is now required for at least one adult present during any event or activity needed a local or national tour permit. Further, every adult participating in nationally sponsored events and activities must be trained in BSA Youth Protection.

Because of the great concern the Boy Scouts of America has concerning child abuse in our society, Youth Protection Training has been developed to safeguard both youth and adult members in the scouting program. This training teaches professionals and volunteers what resources are available to educate scouts about child abuse, how to avoid it, how to identify abuse, and how to deal with it. Also discussed are the proper reactions and reporting procedures to be used if abuse occurs, and the importance of "Two-Deep Leadership" to protect both the scouts and you. This is a delicate subject, but one that must be addressed.
 

Youth Protection Training is a requirement for Quality Unit Awards. Youth Protection Training is required for all adults (over 18) participating in any National event with youth - National and World Jamborees, Philmont, Florida Sea Base, Northern Tier High Adventure base, etc. Youth Protection Training is required for all adults (over 18) participating in any "out of council" event or trip with youth.