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AUGUSTA — Eight area Scout leaders completed Youth Protection Training at a course held at China Baptist Church on Jan. 4.
Joe Poulin, of Oakland, Pine Tree Council training chair, led the program. Those completing the course, which is required annually for all leaders who work directly with Scouts, were Matthew Bodine, Ronald Emery, Aiden Pettengill, Samuel Boynton, Scott Adams and Priscilla Adams all of China; Luanne Chesley, of Vassalboro, and Brian Wedge of Belgrade.
“Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right,” Poulin said. “The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. Each adult leader must agree to undergo a criminal background check and annually complete the Youth Protection Training course either online or in person. Before we can take Scouts camping or teach them how to tie knots, we have to make sure they are in safe hands.”
Scout leaders are mandatory reporters if abuse is suspected and are given specific steps to report child abuse that include:
1. Ensure the child is in a safe environment.
2. In cases of child abuse injury or medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
3. In addition, if the suspected abuse occurred in the Scout’s home or family, you are required by state law to immediately report/contact the local child abuse hotline.
4. Notify the Scout executive or his/her designee, if he/she cannot be reached call the 24/7 Scouts First Helpline at 1-844-726-8871 or email scoutsfirst@scouting.org.
