Megan's Law Offender Dilemma

[fritz1255]

Again, this particular individual has never been convicted or even charged, so does not fall under Megan's Law. He was turned down due to alleged child abuse, although I was not a part of that conversation, so I don't know how they did it.

[scoutmasterbob]

Any individual who has a sexual crime background or any criminal type background would not be able to be a registered leader due to the background check now performed as part of registration.

You as the leader have prime responsibility for the youth in your troop, if you perceieve a threat to them you must act.

I am not suggesting that you seek out every person in your area that has a shady background, but if they are participating in troop activities or outings than you need to be vigilant.

The best resource for this is you district scouting professional, they are trained to deal with these situations.

[mhjacobson]

The first screening of an individual actually happens at the local unit. Remember that both the CC and the COR have to sign off on the application that they approve the individual. If the local unit is aware of a problem (i.e., child abuser), they should thank the adult for his/her interest, but not accept the application. If the local unit is unsure, accept the application and then send it to council (you could attach a note).

The second screening is at the council level where problems that the local unit may not be made aware of will come out. BSA will notify the local unit is the adult is unable to be registered.

Whenever there is an issue with an adult because of a real or perceived problem with the law, or if the unit committee wants an adult removed for cause, a letter should be sent to the council office explaining the particulars. It is the responsibility of the council to make the determination and to notify the individuals involved.

One of the most important parts of this procedure is the fact that if the council determines that an individual needs to be removed, they notify the BSA National Council so that the individual can not simply reregister in another council. This not only protects your unit and your council, but scouts in other councils as well.