Dear Scouting Friend, News reports appearing over the last two days regarding Scouting’s Ineligible Volunteer files have raised questions about the safety of Scouts in the Chicago Area Council and our actions in the event of inappropriate behavior on the part of a leader. I want to point out these files deal with events that took place between 1965-1985. We have learned a great deal about how to enhance the safety of our Scouts over the last 30 years. Today, Scouting's Youth Protection practices (which our Council follows to the letter) have been widely acknowledged by subject matter experts as best practices among all youth programs. Our youth protection practices rest on 5 pillars--education, enhanced leadership selection, barriers, swift reporting and prompt removal. While we live in an imperfect world, these youth protection practices have ensured Scouting is a very safe environment--statistically safer even than the family environment. I have attached a summary of the 5 pillars of youth protection as well as an independent report on the effectiveness of these practices. In my four years with Chicago Area Council, when it has been necessary, we have followed our policies of swift removal and prompt reporting. Our Council is comprised of more than 2,500 good men and women who serve as Scouting volunteers-- helping our children foster lifelong values, develop leadership skills and adopt the habit of community service. The record of these outstanding volunteers who have helped our children grow into productive citizenship defines Scouting-- not the handful of people who used our wonderful movement for their own evil purposes. If you have any questions about the safety of Scouting or our practices, please give me a call at 312-421-8800 ext. 200. H. Charles Dobbins| Scout Executive/CEO
CHICAGO AREA COUNCIL
Boy Scouts of America
1218 W. Adams St.
Chicago, IL 60607
P 312.421.8800 ext. 200 | F 312.421.472
charles.dobbins@scouting.org Summary of Scouting's 5-Point Plan to Combat Child Abuse Statement of Dr. Janet I. Warren Regarding BSA's Ineligible Volunteer Files National BSA Youth Protection Website | 
