Upcoming Netflix Documentary Features Scouting in USA
On September 6th, 2023, Netflix will be releasing a documentary, “Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America”, focused on cases of sexual abuse within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).
While Scouts Canada is a distinct organization from the BSA, we recognize the upsetting nature of these findings and the questions that may arise in relation to Scouts Canada’s history and our safety culture.
Youth Safety Remains Our Top Priority
Nothing is more important to Scouts Canada than the safety of the youth in our care. We are constantly reviewing and updating our procedures and policies to ensure that we continue to provide the highest standard for youth safety.
With a central team, staffed by safety professionals, and rigorous safety screening for volunteers and staff to uphold youth safety procedures and policies, our ‘Two Scouter Rule’ safety standard ensures an additional layer of accountability, where a minimum of two active volunteer Scouters must always be with youth.
Scouts Canada was one of the first youth-serving organizations in Canada to introduce Police Records Checks for volunteers in 1997. In 2017-18, we were one of the first non-sporting organizations to introduce mandatory Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders training that empowers our volunteers to identify and prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination behaviors.
Our Safe Scouting overview can be found at Scouts.ca/Safety, including resources and standards for youth safety.
To learn more about our safety precautions, procedures and screening process, please visit our FAQ.
Support in Here, 24/7
If you have questions about Scouts Canada’s safety policies or have a particular safety issue that you would like to bring to our attention, please contact our Safe Scouting team at safety@scouts.ca or 1-800-339-6643.
Scouts Canada’s Apology, 2011-2012
While Scouts Canada has always put the well-being of youth first, it is with heavy sadness that we recognize our sincere efforts to prevent harm have not always succeeded.
In 2011, Scouts Canada made a formal apology to all former Scouts who suffered harm at the hands of those who abused the trust that they had gained as volunteers in our organization. The following year, a third-party auditor (KPMG) completed a thorough analysis of Scouts Canada’s historic records and found no systemic intent to protect volunteers, shield them from the law, or allow them to remain in Scouting.
We recognize that our failures in the past still resonate today and we remain committed to doing everything in our power to support victims with their healing.
Scouts Canada is continually assessing and improving our culture of safety to provide a secure environment for our youth to thrive in. As Scouts Canada and a national community, we are not defined solely by the challenges we face, but also by our capacity to learn and respond with strength and unity based on our shared values.
