Bay Area Council 
Safeguarding Youth Training Policy 

There are many amazing things going on in Scouting in our council, and we thank our leaders, like you, who help make our council what it is.

As we strive to be the best we can be, we must also address areas that need improvement. Our council has consistently ranked among the lowest in the country in maintaining current Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) for our registered leaders. This occurs when some of our leaders do not renew their annual SYT certification on time, despite receiving multiple reminders.

To address this issue, our Council Board has approved the following Safeguarding Youth Training policy:

The Bay Area Council will suspend the membership of any registered adult leader whose Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) has expired. Safeguarding Youth Training must be completed annually. If an adult leader is suspended, they must not participate in any leadership role within their Scout unit, district, or council until their registration has been reinstated. Once proof of SYT completion is presented to the Council Registrar, their registration will be reinstated. If SYT is not completed prior to their annual membership renewal date, they must reapply as a leader. This includes completing a new application, completing SYT, and paying the annual membership fee. Any dues paid prior to the rescission of membership will be deemed forfeited.

Once a month, we will extract a report showing registered adults with expired SYT and those whose SYT is set to expire the following month. Those whose SYT has expired will be suspended in our system, and an email will be sent to notify them. Those whose SYT is set to expire the following month will receive an email reminder and notice in addition to any reminders already received from the National Council. Upon proof of SYT completion, registrations will be reinstated if their annual membership has not expired.

This policy went into effect on October 17, 2023.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping keep our youth safe!

Bay Area Council Safeguarding Youth Policy

Addendum

For your information:

1. Youth safety is everyone’s responsibility. Help ensure every registered adult volunteer is current in their SYT at all times.

2. The Unit Key 3—Chartered Organization Representative (COR), Committee Chair (CC), and Unit Leader (Scoutmaster/Cubmaster/Crew Advisor/Skipper)—is responsible for ensuring all adult leaders are 100% trained, including maintaining current SYT.

3. The Unit Key 3 should monitor their unit roster regularly to ensure they meet the 100% SYT requirement.

4. The unit leader should notify the Council Registrar via email immediately to remove any adult leaders who are no longer active.

5. The unit leader should encourage their adult leaders to forward a copy of their renewed SYT certificate to the Council Registrar each time the training is completed.

6. Once suspended, you will have seven (7) days to complete SYT and send the certificate to the Registrar. Otherwise, your BSA membership will expire and you must reapply to become a member. This includes completing a new application, completing SYT, and paying the annual membership fee. Any dues paid prior to the rescission of membership will be deemed forfeited.

One of the key elements of Safeguarding Youth Training is covered under the Trained Leaders platform. Ensuring that each member of the unit’s Key 3 is trained in their specific position also supports the council’s Safeguarding Youth requirements