The BSA and the Heart of America Council are committed first and foremost to keeping youth safe. Part of that commitment includes continually updating our youth protection policies to help ensure we are always at the forefront of youth safety.
One of the BSA’s many barriers to abuse is a mandatory criminal background check during the adult volunteer application process.
The BSA will now also perform periodic rechecks of criminal backgrounds to support the continued safety of youth in our programs.
All adult volunteers are required to complete the authorization process detailed below. Please complete at your earliest availability to help us continue to provide the safest environment possible for our Scouts and leaders.
The steps below must be completed before your 2021 annual registration can be processed if it was not completed in 2020.
- Review the disclosure document “Background Check Disclosure”
- Once you have reviewed the “Background Check Disclosure," print the document titled “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization”
Review the additional disclosures on that form, then complete and sign the Authorization using an ink/wet signature.
*Note: A print signature is required for this document. Electronic signatures, faxes or email copies will not be accepted.
- Turn in the signed “Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization” form promptly to your unit leader or Heart of America Council Service Center. (10210 Holmes Rd. Kansas City, MO 64131)
If you choose to decline the background check, or if you do not complete the Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization form and return it to your unit leader or Heart of America Council Service Center, your 2021 annual registration will not be processed.
Unit Leaders: Completed Additional Disclosures & Background Check Authorization forms should be collected and submitted with your 2021 re-charter paperwork.
All registered adults in the Heart of America Council will also receive an email communication from BSA National in October reminding all volunteers of this process.
We are truly grateful for your continued commitment to keeping youth safe and for helping them learn, grow, and thrive through Scouting programs.
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