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Reminders Regarding The Handling Of Cases Involving Child Abuse.

To All Bodies Of Elders In The United States 2002 February 15 p.4

Reminders Regarding the Handling of Cases Involving Child Abuse: (1) As directed in the July 1, 1989, letter to all bodies of elders, you should immediately call the Legal Department for direction if you learn of a case of child abuse. Child abuse would include sexual abuse, self-evident physical abuse, and extreme neglect involving a minor. (2) If the alleged victim is now an adult but was a minor at the time of the abuse, please call the Legal Department. (3) If you become aware of a past case of child abuse and you are not certain whether the elders involved at the time called the Legal Department for direction, please call the Legal Department for assistance as soon as possible. (4) Child abuse is a crime. Never suggest to anyone that they should not report an allegation of child abuse to the police or other authorities. If you are asked, make it clear that whether to report the matter to the authorities or not is a personal decision for each individual to make and that there are no congregation sanctions for either decision. That is, no elder will criticize anyone who reports such and allegation to the authorities.

Warm Christian Love
Bangalore

The counsel is (regardless of the situation): call the legal department.


I think anyone who contacts the elders first has taken a misstep. I would announce that from the platform if I had my way. I don't think anyone could screw something up so much as an elder who has to "call the legal department first." What a simp. Is the Society in danger of getting raped? As a shepherd, why should I give a hoot about the Society's CYA procedures?

gus

What I would really like to see is the guidebook for the Legal Department. Now that would be interesting.

Yes, that would make very interesting reading, wouldn't it, Donbodo! Legal terms and conditions can be twisted and contorted to suit very clever minds who don't see anything wrong in lying and deceiving others.:( Lawyers who are hell bent on winning, at all costs, in order to inflate their already puffed up pride, and bank accounts.:readthis:In the greater court of justice, thankfully, only Jehovah's perfect standards will prevail.:read:
Christian love to all,
Sister Grateful:giverose: