2022-2023 Volunteer Essentials

Reporting Abuse or Neglect As a troop volunteer, you are in a unique position to identify a situation where a girl may need help. Missouri law states that any person with the responsibility for the care of children has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report. In short, Girl Scout volunteers are mandated reporters. All mandated reporters are strongly encouraged to complete the online training course sponsored by Missouri KidsFirst. To report abuse or neglect concerns to the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division, call the 24-hour Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect hotline at 1.800.392.3738 or use the online reporting system for non-emergencies. If a girl is in immediate danger, call 911. You may also contact the local police department but doing so does not relieve you of the legal obligation to report your concerns to the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. If you would like additional support when reporting potential abuse or neglect, please contact your Community Engagement Manager or Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Risk Management at 314.592.2300. You are not required to share your concerns with the girl’s family or let them know that you made/will make a report, but you may do so if the situation involves someone outside of the family and if the girl’s safety or the integrity of future inquiries will not be compromised. Engaging Families You want your Girl Scouts to have fun, be inspired, take risks, and learn about themselves and the world—that’s why you’re a Girl Scout troop leader or troop volunteer! Parents and caregivers want the same thing for their girls but getting families to pitch in and play an active role in the troop while also enhancing the experience for their girl and themselves can be tricky for many volunteers. It doesn’t have to be this way. Kick the Year Off Right by Engaging Parents and Other Caregivers When families step up and play an active part in troop life, your troop can shine its brightest! Plus, girls feel a special sense of pride when their families take part and show interest in the things they are doing. What Is a Parent and Caregiver Meeting? It’s the first meeting you have to start each troop year—whether you are a new or returning troop, it’s valuable for all troops. Why Hold a Meeting? Kicking off each year with a parent and caregiver meeting sets the troop up for success. Outlining clear expectations, building a team, and engaging parents in the Girl Scout experience is a wonderful way to start off on the right foot. When parents are involved, leaders have support, the troop has a plan, and girls’ benefit! The meeting helps: • Families understand what Girl Scouting can do for their girl.

P a g e 51 | 59