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: Janesvara@pamho.net

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: college@pamho.net

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