YOUNG PEOPLE FIRST
It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
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Code of Behaviour - Good Practice for Adults in Scouting
Do put the "Young People First" guidance into practice
Do treat everyone with respect
Do provide an example you wish others to follow
Do plan activities which involve more than one other person being present, or at least which are within sight or hearing of others.
Do respect a young person's right to personal privacy
Do have separate sleeping arrangements for leaders and young people
Do provide access for young people to talk to others about any concerns they may have
Do encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like
Do avoid situations that compromise your relationship with young people and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust (e.g. a sexual relationship between a leader and a youth member over the age on consent)
Do remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned
Do recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling, such as when dealing willing bullying, bereavement or abuse.
Do NOT permit abusive youth peer activities (eg initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying)
Do NOT play physical contact games with young people
Do NOT have inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
Do NOT jump to conclusions about others without checking facts
Do NOT allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums or crushes
Do NOT show favouritism to any individual
Do NOT make suggestive remarks or gestures, even in fun
Do NOT let suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse, go unrecorded or unreported
Do NOT rely on just you good name to protect you
Do NOT believe "it could never happen to me"
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What happens if ...?
If you suspect a child is being abused:
1. immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your District Commissioner
3. ensure that the child has access to an independent adult
4. ensure that no Scouting situation arises which could cause any further concern
If a child discloses to you abuse by someone else:
1. allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said
2. alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement
3. advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on
4. same steps as 1 - 4 as in suspecting a child is being abused
If you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself:
1. immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your District Commissioner
3. try to ensure no-one is placed in a position which could cause further compromise
You must refer
You must not investigate
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Keeping Children Safe
Keeping Children Safe is a correspondence training package designed for any adult in Scouting. Follow the link for details.
