With
the recent news stories concerning the release of documents referred to
as the Ineligible Volunteer Record Files, I know that you may have
questions as to what we are currently doing to ensure that Scouting is a
safe-haven for our children.
Click the link: You can read more about BSA Youth Protection policies.
The BSA has constantly worked to enhance procedures. Our regimen requires of all Leaders:
· All volunteers must complete a rigorous application and
screening process before joining Scouting. As part of this requirement,
applicants must provide references and submit to review against a
national database criminal background check. We also verify that our
organization has not received any prior allegations of misconduct on the
volunteer's part by checking names against the National BSA's
Ineligible Volunteer Files.
· All volunteers are
required to complete Youth Protection training and must renew the
training every two years. This training is accessible to the general
public online at
Click to View Link. Please review the training, as it
provides important information about detecting and preventing abuse, no
matter where it may occur.
· Scouting's two-deep
leadership policy requires at least two adults to be present for all
Scouting activities. No youth should ever be alone with a Scout leader
for any reason.
· Separate facilities for Youth and Adults for sleeping, shower and restrooms at all Scout outings.
· Every Cub Scout and Boy Scout handbook includes a pamphlet to
help parents teach their children how to recognize, resist and report
abuse. Parents are encouraged to review and discuss this information
with your child.
· All Scouting activities are open to parents, and we encourage families to enjoy Scouting together.
· Anyone suspected of inappropriate behavior will be
immediately and permanently banned from Scouting. Remember, if you have
cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused, it is North Carolina law
and BSA policy that you shall report the case to the director of the
department of social services in the county where the juvenile resides.
A listing of each County Department of Social Services can be found
here:
http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/index.htm.
If child abuse is reported to Department of Social Services, notify
the scout office immediately so we can take proper action. If you ever
have any concerns about your child's safety, please contact our Old
North State Council, Boy Scouts of America Service Center immediately at
(336) 378-9166.
These and additional efforts are designed to
ensure a safe environment for children. The Old North State Council
staff and our 4,000 volunteer leaders are committed to a culture of
safety in which even one instance of abuse is unacceptable.
The release of these files shows one thing: that dangerous people were
kept out of the Scouting program, and that children in the Piedmont are
safer because these policies exist. There are no secrets when it comes
to keeping our children safe. If you have any questions or concerns
about what we are doing to protect our children, please contact me at
rcarpent@bsamail.org.
I am personally and
professionally committed, along with every other adult on the Scouting
team, to make certain that our approach to protecting our youth
continues to evolve with the best practices for protecting each of our
Scouts.
Sincerely,
Rodney Carpenter
Scout Executive/CEO
Old North State Council, BSA
336-378-9166