about a girl’s well-being and safety is taken seriously, and your council will guide you in addressing these
concerns.
Here are a few signs that could indicate a girl needs expert help:
Marked changes in behavior or personality (for example, unusual moodiness, aggressiveness, or
sensitivity)
Declining academic performance and/or inability to concentrate
Withdrawal from school, family activities, or friendships
Fatigue, apathy, or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Sleep disturbances
Increased secretiveness
Deterioration in appearance and personal hygiene.
Eating extremes, unexplained weight loss, distorted body image
Tendency toward perfectionism
Giving away prized possessions; preoccupation with the subject of death
Unexplained injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures
Avoidance of eye contact or physical contact
Excessive fearfulness or distrust of adults
Abusive behavior toward other children, especially younger ones
Refer to the Appendix: GSWPA Procedures/Forms for the following:
Sensitive Issues Procedure-page 117
Most parents and guardians are helpful and supportive and sincerely appreciate your time and effort on behalf of
their daughters. And you almost always have the same goal, which is to make Girl Scouting an enriching
experience for their girls. Encourage them to check out www.girlscouts4girls.org to find out how to expand their
roles as advocates for their daughters.
The Girl Scouts Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., builds relationships with members of
Congress, White House officials, and other federal departments and agencies, continuously informing and
educating them about issues important to girls and Girl Scouting. The office also supports Girl Scout councils,
at the state and local levels, as they build capacity to be the voice for girls. These advocacy efforts help
demonstrate to lawmakers that Girl Scouts is a resource and an authority on issues affecting girls. Visit the
Advocacy office at www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/advocacy.
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