Re: An unusual situation (i hope)
Brian Davis (brian@SETON.COR.NET)
Tue, 10 Jan 1995 10:12:52 +0000
On Tue, 10 Jan 1995, Heath H. Herel wrote:
> they were doing badge work. During the course of the discussion, the Boy
> Scout (former Cub) casually mentioned a disciplinary practice of the
> Scoutmaster. He claimed the SM would have boys run a lap around the block in
> nothing but their BVD's. Needless to say, the WL was dismayed by this
> "accusation" and felt that it needed some sort of investigation. He was not
> sure of the protocol involved, but had the opportunity to talk with his ADC
> (he was the first Scouter that the WL saw). The ADC said he would take the
> matter to the DE, and the DE would handle things from there. The DE (unknown
> to everyone) was leaving in a couple of weeks due to burnout, and therefore
> turned the matter over to the troop's Chartering Organization and Committee
> to handle.
Situations like this are part and parcel of the reasons behind many
aspects of the National Youth Protection Policy and Guidelines.
#1 - Sorry, but as Unit Commisioner this incident is way out of your
responsibilities. It is apparent that you have not had Youth Protection
Program training, or have simply ignored the funsdamental policies of
that training here. You should immediately advise the Webelos Leader to
contact his Scout Executive (not his DE) with his concerns. The SE will
know what to do. This rule is an absolute. No exceptions. You must
butt out. There are a number of very good reasons for this to be so.
Number 1, incidents of this sort tend to be hushed up by unit people,
and thats a historical fact. By reporting the incident to the SE, you
ensure that it will be investigated by others, including those outside
the BSA. The SE would be legally liable if he failed to notify the
proper authorities. They are trained investigators - You, your WL, the
packs CC, the DE, the Troops CC, are most assuredly not. None of you
should be involved in this matter beyond the initial report to the SE.
Number 2, the privacy of the boy, and of the adult, must be protected.
the more people involved the more likely this is to become gossip - and
I'm guessing that this incident isalready common knowledge among the pack
and troop in question. As a result of such gossip, children are often
made the butt of some tremendously cruel teasing by other boys. Adults
reputations may be needlessly ruined. To go outside the recomended
actions of the YPP in matters like this (and you have) is to ensure
suffering on the part of many people.
3. The YPP (Youth Protection Policy) is the law. At least, as regards
your involvement as a Scout Leader. You may also be accountable to the
laws in your state. On the other hand, since you were not party to this
incident, i.e. not a witness to the boys statement, I have to wonder why
you are involved here anyway? Do the right thing - Advise the WL to
report to the SE, then butt out. If the SE or law enforcement officials
need a statement from you, they'll let you know.
There are many, many more reasons to obey the YPP policy on this matter.
If you would like to become more informed, try reading Patrick Boyle's
"On My Honor", a real eye-opener, then re-read the YPP guidelines. I
think you'll understand.
> The Committee Chairman for the troop "investigated" the matter. According to
> the Pack's CC, this amounted to an interrogation of some boys and the Webelos
> Leader (having somehow determined that the WL was the source of the
> allegation). The "investigation" revealed no wrong doing by the SM. (NOTE :
> I put investigation in quotes, because the opinion of the Pack CC was that
> it was a foregone conclusion, and the troop CC was only going through the
> motions because the Chartering Organization instructed him to).
Reading things like this make me cringe. All these people involved, and
not one of them doing the right thing. Not one of them. Do they teach
YPP in your Council? Your District? Why not?
> The result of all this was : The troop CC wrote a scathing letter to the
> Pack CC & COR, the DE, the CE (and it may have even been forwarded farther up
> the chain of command) stating that the WL "should be made to resign in the
> interest of Scouting in the town" The CC feels that his WL was in the right
> (as do I) but is unsure of how to proceed from this point. His fear is that
> the damage to Scouting (at least at the Cub level) may already be done by the
> Troop CC, but does not want to ask his WL to resign to placate the Troop.
Once again. There is no decision to be made here. Report to the SE.
Then butt out. Tell the various CC's to butt out. tell the WL to report
to the SE, then butt out.
> I will be talking with the CC next Monday, and would like to give him as well
> thought out an answer as possible.
My best advice: Cancel the meeting, and forward the CC a copy of the
Youth Protection Policy handout available at any Council Service center.
Brian L. Davis
Youth Protection Chairman
Circle Ten Council
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