BoR & Youth Protection

I am the troop Advancement Chairman. I have included a short discussion
at every BoR. Everyone that is Youth Protection (YP) trained should know
about the 3 types of abuse plus neglect. We should also know that abuse
is easier to do when it can be kept a secret. We should also know that we
have no secrets in Scouting. But from time to time I read or hear of
abuse that in some way involves scouts or scouting. "It happened to me"
is a great start, But its only a start. When I first started talking
about abuse, especially sexual, to our scouts I was uncomfortable and
maybe even a little embarrassed. I'm 50 ! Imagine how a 12 year old would
feel if "it happened to me". Now, at every BoR, I briefly discuss the
types of abuse. I explain how I would confidentially discuss it with a
Scout and get whatever help is needed. I go into no details, and the
whole discussion is 2 or 3 minutes.
I'm am now very comfortable doing it. I sometimes get smiles, looks
of fear, dirty jokes and other reactions from both the Scouts and
Scouters, but these are getting fewer and fewer. My goal: make talking
about abuse "no big deal".
I encourage everyone to get Council trained soon and often. If 'they'
don't tell you your council reporting procedure, ask what it is. The
training video says call your DE, but in my council its "CALL 911". If
they didn't tell you and you didn't ask, you probably don't know
.
ON MY HONOR...
Dennis Smith
Adv Chairman T40 Clifton NJ
DENSMITH@JUNO.COM

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