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Yes, but with the widespread hysteria about pedophiles many potential mentors will decline. Already the suggestion that to work with children under public super

• steve_adams_86 5y ago
  It is a serious deterrent. I became a volunteer scouts leader for my son’s scouts group some years ago and the process was unnerving. Background check from police, tested on generally not being a predator for a significant portion of the written application, literally not allowed around kids until it’s fully reviewed and approved. I get it. Bad stuff happens sometimes. The message is clear though that (especially as a male), I’m not trusted around kids until confirmed and on record to be safe. That’s not conducive to natural relationships with kids - you’re constantly on guard and cognizant of the fact that you’re a perceived threat. edit: That was a little negative. I should add that it's still worth doing. There's no way to change that perception other than by doing good and reassuring people. More importantly, kids having good experiences because people make the time for them matters more than resenting being perceived as a creep all the time. Yeah, it's a drag, but mostly I ignore it and hike with the kids, teach them knots, or whatever. It's fine.