The Scout Association's Child Protection policy is known as the 'Young People First' policy. It's often referred to as the "yellow card" policy because of the pocket sized reminder card all adults are asked to keep and carry with them.
The "yellow card" can be downloaded on this link: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/ypf-e3.pdf. An A3 version of this card is available for instruction / display purposes and it can be purchased from the Scout Information Centre: http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php

The 'Young People First' policy is held up as an example of best practice and praised by the child protection agencies. The Scout Association also enjoys the confidence and trust of thousands of parents who each week place their children in our care.

As an Adult in Scouting you must be aware of your responsibilities within the 'Young People First' policy, and put into practice the policy set out in the 'Yellow Card'.

A wealth of useful information is readily available on Scoutbase by following this link: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/

All adults working in Scouting are highly recommended to complete the:

'Keeping Children Safe' Child Protection Training Programme

'Keeping Children Safe' is designed for any adult in Scouting whose involvement brings them into contact with our youth membership - Leaders, Commissioners, Helpers, Skills Instructors, service crews, parent helpers, etc. This short programme works by helping individuals increase their understanding of the unique role they play in keeping children safe from harm.

The Keeping Children Safe programme uses a distance learning technique that ensures that, wherever an individual is located, everybody receives a consistent message, at a time and place that suit. The programme comprises three short modules; each with an accompanying questionnaire, in a multichoice answer format, designed to reinforce the key learning points. When all modules have been completed, participants receive feedback that enables them to check their answers and confirm their understanding of the programme. The programme material builds into a high quality reference handbook which participants retain and individuals who successfully complete the programme receive a certificate of completion from the NSPCC.

The programme is written in a clear and concise style, using everyday language and avoiding jargon. The layout is user-friendly with useful checklists - Do's and Don'ts - which help individuals build up their knowledge and skills.

The programme is not designed to train people to become child protection specialists. It provides training that complements and reinforces the Association's child protection policy. It enables individuals, both new to Scouting and with a current involvement, to understand their own responsibilities in relation to child protection and emphasises the importance of following good practice guidelines when working with children and young people.

To register please follow the registration procedure described below. No further action is required from you regarding the management of the programme, which is handled by NSPCC/Educare.
  • Participants register using the Application Form below, by forwarding to the Scout Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW. Tel: 0845 300 1818. Fax: 020 8433 7103.
  • Following registration, NSPCC/Educare sends each participant a welcome letter, a copy of module one, a questionnaire, a personal record sheet and a further information sheet.
  • Participants read through the module and return the questionnaire in the pre-paid envelope to NSPCC/Educare.
  • Module two is despatched in the following fortnight and is completed in the same way. This is followed by module three.
  • A final letter giving the individual's score and answers with explanations is sent within two weeks of completion of the programme.
  • All participants completing the programme successfully receive a personalised certificate from the NSPCC.
  • A report is despatched to a nominated person in the County/Area (i.e. County/Area Child Protection Co-ordinator)

Application Form

The form is available to download in two parts:

The complete three module course costs £8.00 and you need to put David Stemp's name at the bottom of the application form since he manages the scheme for Hampshire Scouting and he receives the results.

 

 

Further details can be found on these two websites:

 

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