Young People First

"It is the policy of The Scout Association to safeguard the welfare of all members by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm."

Below you will find the text of "Young People First", which outlines a Code of good practice for Adults in Scouting. The "yellow" card is a Code of good practice for Adults in Scouting. Designed for you to keep with you - carry it.

What happens if .... ?

If you suspect a child is being abused:

1. immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your District Commissioner
3. ensure that the child has access to an independent adult
4. ensure that no Scouting situation arises which could cause any further concern

If a child tells you about abuse by someone else:

1. allow the child to speak without interruption, accepting what is said
2. alleviate feelings of guilt and isolation, while passing no judgement
3. advise that you will try to offer support, but that you must pass the information on
4. same steps as 1-4 as in suspecting a child is being abused

If you receive an allegation about any adult or about yourself:

1. immediately tell your Group Scout Leader or District Commissioner
2. record the facts as you know them and give a copy to your District Commissioner
3. try to ensure no-one is placed in a position, which could cause further compromise

You must refer; you must not investigate

Code of behaviour

• Do put the 'Young People First' guidance into practice
• Do treat everyone with respect
• Do provide an example you wish others to follow
• Do plan activities, which involve more than one other person being present, or at least are within sight or hearing of others
• Do respect a young person's right to personal privacy
• Do have separate sleeping accommodation for leaders and young people
• Do provide access for young people to talk about any concerns they may have
• Do encourage young people and adults to feel comfortable and caring enough to point out attitudes or behaviour they do not like
• Do avoid situations that compromise your relationship with young people and are unacceptable within a relationship of trust (e.g. a sexual relationship between a leader and a youth member over the age of consent)
• Do remember that someone else might misinterpret your actions, no matter how well-intentioned
• Do recognise that caution is required even in sensitive moments of counselling, such as when dealing with bullying, bereavement or abuse

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• Do NOT permit abusive peer activities (e.g. initiation ceremonies, ridiculing, bullying)
• Do NOT play physical contact games with young people
• Do NOT have any inappropriate physical or verbal contact with others
• Do NOT jump to conclusions about others without checking facts
• Do NOT allow yourself to be drawn into inappropriate attention seeking behaviour such as tantrums or crushes
• Do NOT show favouritism to any individual
• Do NOT make suggestive remarks or gestures, even in fun
• Do NOT let suspicion, disclosure or allegation of abuse, go unrecorded or unreported
• Do NOT rely on just your good name to protect you
• Do NOT believe "it could never happen to me"