As part of the training we were asked to think about the many organizations of which we are a part and consider how they can do a better job protecting children. Every organization with which I work (or am involved in in some way) is up to date and very conscientious about this issue and follows the guidelines necessary to help protect children, except the LDS church.
A primary focus in the training was the need to eliminate or minimize the opportunity for sexual abuse, as stated in the manual:
"If you eliminate or reduce one-adult/one-child situations, you’ll
dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for your child"
I have been saying for years that the Bishop's interview is completely inappropriate at best, and should be eliminated. Parents should not allow their children to be interviewed about sexual matters by anyone other than a professional under rare situations with all the appropriate safeguards in place. An adult male should just not be behind closed doors alone with a girl or boy discussing ANYTHING sexual. This situation should never happen. EVER.
The fact that the LDS church holds onto this inappropriate meeting astounds me.
Are there not LDS therapists who can help the LDS leadership understand why the "interview" is not appropriate? Do the Brethren not get that this sort of thing is a disaster waiting to happen (and sometimes does happen)? What will it take for the LDS church to move into this century and help prevent the potential for abuse? To the SCMC folks who may be reading... could you please say something or get the memo to the leaders of your church?
Many insurance companies now require windows in rooms where adults will be alone with children and I understand the LDS church is following these guidelines to some degree, but they have just got to stop the whole interview practice as it currently is.
Perhaps there are members who could take the training, or read a few books and provide some information to the leaders? I think there are some leaders who care about children and would want to do what they can to protect them.
Time for the LDS church to make some changes for the sake of children!
~td~
Darkness to Light