Guidance on Youth Protection Adult Background Check Authorization Update

Background Check Authorization Form
Background Check Disclosure
Frequently Asked Questions

Dan Beard Council Scouters:

Thank you for your leadership and service to youth in Scouting. Without leaders like you, Scouting would not be the incredible and safe program it is today. As we continue to elevate our Youth Protection policies to ensure our Scouts are safe, we want to be sure our leaders have all the tools necessary to continue the great work that you do.

Recently, you should have received an e-mail from the Boy Scouts of America National Office with a request to complete new forms for our elevated Criminal Background Check process. If you did not receive an e-mail, you can download the forms below.

Here’s what you need to know about this new process:

  • Beginning in 2020 all registered adults will be submitted for an updated criminal background check with rechecks every five years.
  • A new, signed Background Check Authorization form must be completed in order to begin this process.
  • All units must ensure their adult volunteers have completed these forms before their membership can be processed for 2020.
  • Volunteers should submit completed forms to their Pack, Troop, Crew, Ship, or Post for inclusion with the unit’s annual charter renewal.

To help you understand why the BSA is making this change, the scope of the background check, how to submit forms, we have prepared a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions with assistance from the BSA National Office. Please review these materials and contact your Unit Commissioner or your District Executive if you have additional questions.

Click here to find the new Background Check Authorization form and Background Check Disclosures.

If you have any questions on this topic, or any Youth Protection topic, we have an outstanding team at the ready. You can always contact your District Executive for assistance.

Thank you for your leadership in Scouting and for your commitment to delivering the safest possible program to our Scouts.

Joe Waller                                           Michael Kostic
Council Commissioner                      Deputy Scout Executive

RESOURCES