Scouting's Barriers to Abuse
The BSA has adopted the following policies for the safety and well-being of its members. These policies primarily protect youth members; however, they also serve to protect adult leaders. Parents and youth using these safeguards outside the Scouting program further increase the safety of their youth. Those who serve in positions of leadership and supervision with youth outside the Scouting program will find these policies help protect youth in those situations as well.
If a Scout is bullied because of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability, and local help is not working to solve the problem, contact the BSA’s Member Care Contact Center at 972-580-2489, or send an email to youth.protection@scouting.org.
Your Responsibility
- Stop the policy violation or abuse.
- Protect the youth.
- Separate alleged victim(s) from alleged perpetrator(s).
- Summon needed assistance (911, EMS, additional leaders, etc.).
- Notify parents.
- Notify Josh Kirkham, the Safe Scouting & Operations Director via email or by calling 770-956-2898.
Chartered Organization Responsibility
The head of the chartered organization or chartered organization representative and their committee chair must approve the registration of the unit’s adult leaders.
Youth Protection Resources
The Atlanta Area Council has developed the resources below to educate adults and youth on the the BSA's Youth Protection Policies.