WATERBURY, Vt. -
Vermont Boy Scout leaders want to assure parents a lot has changed since widespread nationwide cases of sexual abuse, some of which date back decades.
"This whole child sexual abuse thing in the Boy Scouts of America is a big concern," says Ed McCollin, Green Mountain Council scout executive.
McCollin says he oversees some 4,000 scouts in Vermont.
"When you entrust your son to the Boy Scouts of America, it's our duty to do the best we can to protect that child and what happened 30, 40 years ago, I can't change. But I can tell you this organization is one of the safest and most comprehensive youth protection programs for your son to get involved with," says McCollin.
MccCllin says that youth protection program includes background checks for every registered adult leader. Other policies include how to deal with possible child molesters and a requirement that scouts are never alone with just one scout leader.
"Do you think these new policies are working?" asked FOX44/ABC 22.
"Absolutely, I think we've come a long way," says McCollin.
Another new policy, as part of scouts' first merit badge, parents have to sit down with their son and explain child protection and child abuse.
