During the last European Leadership Meeting conference a presentation was made on Child Protection in regard to the book “My Karma, My Fault” published by an european ex- gurukuli, who was physically, psychological, and sexually abused in ISKCON schools and communities.
During this discussion, it was emphasized the importance of creating awareness and educating leaders, teachers, community members, parents, and children on this matter, in order to prevent to the best of our ability future cases of abuse. As the saying it goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
In order to facilitate this training, Campakalata Dasi, the Director of ISKCON Child Protection Office, is scheduled to provide training in Sweden (25 to 28 June) and at Bhaktivedanta College, Radhadesh (30 June to 2 of July). Child protection team members, children and parents educators, community leaders, and some leading parents are be encouraged to attend.
The seminar is taught by Champakala Dasi who is the Director of the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection. Champakalata Dasi received her law degree in 1992, and has been a practicing attorney in criminal law, real estate law, and labor law. She is a Presiding Officer for the Department of Labor of South Africa and helps arbitrate labor disputes and compensation claims. She also has a post-graduate degree in Education and is a certified teacher. In her devotional career, she has served as Head of Legal Affairs as well as Communications Director for ISKCON Durban. Her twenty years of communications and public relations experience will be particularly helpful in her new position, as will her legal and teaching background. She has been especially active with child protection in South Africa, and is head of the Durban Child Protection Team. Champakalata Dasi, who resides in Durban, South Africa, is an initiated disciple of Indradumya Swami.
http://www.childprotectionoffice.org/
Seminar details:
Place: Almviks Gard Sweden
Dates: 25 -27 June (3 days)
Contact: [email protected]
Details seminar at Bhaktivedanta College Radhadesh:
Place: Bhaktivedanta College Radhadesh
Dates: 30 June – 2 July (3 days)
Price: € 55 (seminar fee, accomodation and prasadam)
Booking link: Online booking form CPO seminar Radhadesh
Contact: [email protected]
Seminar schedule:
Day 1
Welcome, Icebreaker and Housekeeping Rules
What is abuse, types and Indicators of Abuse?
Group work – Physical & Behavioural Indicators
Video: “Names Can Hurt Forever”
Lunch
In-depth study of sexual abuse
Worksheet
Video: “Hear Their Cries”
Consequences of child abuse
How sex offenders operate in the world and within a religious organization
Myths vs Facts – Quiz
Offender Cycle
Process of Victimisation
Day 2
Video : Truth, Lies and Sex Offenders
Institutional response
Child Protection Teams
What to do if complaint received
Strategies to Prevent Child Abuse
The Adolescent Offender (Time permitting)
Video – Breaking the Cycle / Adolescent Offenders (Time permitting)
Confidentiality
Lunch
Investigation Procedures
Video on Interviewing techniques
Conducting Interviews
Role Play & Discussions
Day 3
CPO Policy and Procedure Manual
Types of testimony and other evidences
Standard of Evidence
Case Management
Role of judges
Verdicts
Objectives of Sentencing
Requirements and Restrictions that can be imposed
Sample cases – group work
Appeal Process