Troop 401

Richmond, Kentucky

Youth Protection

Protection:

Our society unfortunately produces many people who would prey upon our young people for their own self-serving interests. The leaders of Troop 401 wholeheartedly support the efforts of the Boy Scouts of America to protect our boys from predators and from substances that could be potentially harmful.

Substance Abuse:

Almost everyone agrees that drugs, alcohol, and tobacco use bring danger to our youth. The Boy Scouts of America prohibits the use of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances at camps or activities that involve participation of youth members. Boy Scouts of America also asks that all Scouting functions, meetings, and activities should be conducted on a smoke-free basis, with smoking areas located away from all participants.

Sexual Abuse:

All boys joining a Scout Troop must complete the pamphlet located in the Boy Scout Handbook entitled How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse. Video tapes have been produced by Boy Scouts of America that deal frankly with the subject of sexual predators in our society. Troop 401 supports this effort and requests that each parent and child watch the video together. A Troop leader will contact each boy and his parents and offer a time when the video can be viewed and discussed.

The "three R's" of Youth Protection are stressed. 1) Recognize risk situations 2) Resist sexual abuse and 3) Report attempted or actual molestations.

Precautions:

	Two-Deep Leadership - Two registered adult leaders or one leader and a parent or guardian are required on all trips and outings. At least one of the adults must be 21 years of age or older.
	No One-on-One Contact - No one-on-one contact between adults and youth members is allowed. Meetings must be conducted in view of at least one other adult.
	Respect of Privacy - Adults must respect the privacy for youth members and for themselves. Situations such as changing swim suits and taking showers must be handled with respect.
	Separate Accommodations - When camping, no youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his own parent or guardian.
	No Secret Organizations - All aspects of Scouting are open at any time for observation by parents, guardians, and troop leaders.
	No Hazing - Physical hazing and initiations are not allowed by Boy Scouts of America.
	Appropriate Attire - Proper clothing is required for all Scouting activities. Skinny-dipping is not condoned by Boy Scouts of America.
	Junior Leader Supervision - Adult leaders must monitor and guide the leadership of junior leaders.