Barriers to Abuse Update
Effective September 1, 2023
Download the policy update with examples!
- “72-Hour Rule” will be eliminated
- All adults staying overnight in connection with a Scouting activity must be currently registered in an adult fee required position as listed or as an adult program participant.
Cub Scout Programs – Overnight Exception: Cub Scout parents or legal guardians taking part in an overnight Cub Scout program with their own child or legal ward are not required to register as leaders.
All adults must review the “How to Protect your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide” that can be found in the front of each Cub Scout Handbook.
In addition, the parent or legal guardian must be accompanied by a registered leader at any time they are with youth members other than their own child/ward. All other overnight adults must be currently registered in an adult fee required position.
Put simply…
- All 18+ adults attending a Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scout or Exploring OVERNIGHT event/activity must be currently registered.
- 18+ adults attending a Cub Scout OVERNIGHT event/activity who are not the parent or legal guardian of a Scout in attendance must be registered in an adult fee required position.
What is an adult fee required position?
Adults may select from the list of adult leader position options provided in the “Registration Guidebook of the Boy Scouts of America” that is available for their unit, district or council position. Full list available on the YP FAQ webpage.
For example, registration as a Merit Badge Counselor, Lion Cub partner, or Tiger Partner does not meet this requirement.
See the details of this update and some examples of the policy in action!