Board of Governors Approved May 5, 2018
Purpose
Protects every youth who has not yet reached their 18th birthday, and in some jurisdictions, up to their 19th birthday.[1]
Our Commitment
Youth have a right to participate in Scouting free from harassment, bullying, neglect, and abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional).
Our Policy
- We will create a fun, safe environment for youth by:
- Making the health and well-being of youth our first priority
- Putting youth safety and well-being front and centre when planning programs and activities
- Encouraging everyone to speak up and listen to each other’s ideas
- Respecting youth rights, wishes, and feelings as leaders on the Canadian Path
- Recognizing that Scouters and other adults in Scouting occupy a unique position of trust
- You are required to take immediate action to protect youth if there are any concerns for their safety and welfare.
- If you have reason to believe a youth is being abused or neglected, you are required to report to the authorities[2] and to Scouts Canada.[3] You may have additional protection and reporting obligations under provincial, territorial, and federal law.[4]
[1] Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal.
[2] Provincial reporting contacts
[3] Scouts Canada Youth Safety Reporting
[4] Link to information about provincial, territorial and federal youth protection law
