AA MINORITY REPORT 2017 (revised)

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Sunday, 14 September 2014

Conference questions (2014) – almost! (contd)


53. Safeguarding Issues for Alcoholics Anonymous
The current climate of anxiety about the vulnerability of children and adults with special needs has led to a strong emphasis on “Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults”. (1)
In Alcoholics Anonymous we might at first sight dismiss any of the issues emerging from this as none of our business and as something which will not apply to the Fellowship: we are after all protected by the Traditions which give us clear boundaries from the Agencies which have to take Safeguarding considerations into account
(i.e. Health, Education etc.) (2)
Increasingly, however, as many in Service roles will know, we are being asked if we have had “CRB Checks” and do we have a “policy” on safeguarding? This can only continue as more and more agencies come under scrutiny: the Catholic Church for example now has to deal with a failure to take account with its safeguarding failures at an earlier stage.
We could say:
1. We are not an “agency/organisation” for children. Anyone who approaches AA is an adult. Children are not legally entitled to drink until they are 18.
2. On any visits to school or contact with children, it is the responsibility of the school/agency we are working with to ensure they follow their own safeguarding guidelines. Usually they will ensure no contact between members of the Fellowship and children without a member of staff being present at all times. Name badges (Visitor ID) to be worn at all times etc.
3. On 12th Step calls to adults we will ensure that more than one member of the Fellowship is present and 12th stepping is done by the same sex as the person visited. Children under 18 can only be seen with parents present.
The above are common sense approaches which I am sure will be immediately clear to AA members but do we always follow them?
The answer is probably not and sooner or later we may be faced with an allegation or complaint of abuse or failure in a duty of care at some level.
My question to AA is: Do we need to consider the recent rise in Safeguarding Measures and decide whether or not AA should have a policy which protects the Fellowship from risk or scandal?
(1) “Every Child Matters” 2003: Children Act 2004 Lord Laming Report: 2006 “Working Together”, “Multi‐Agency Local Safeguarding Children Boards” (LSCBs)
...A duty on all agencies to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.” 2010: “Working Together to Safeguard Children”.
(2) The 12 Traditions “Alcoholics Anonymous” The Big Book
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” (1952).


Terms of Reference No. 7 The Traditions and Concepts and information contained within existing literature, such as the Structure and Service Handbooks for Great Britain provide guidance on keeping our fellowship out of public controversy. There is also a guidance issued by the General Service Board in January 2013 which refers to Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults. This guidance will be published in the next edition of AA Service News.”

Comment: Some excellent points here. But as indicated the guidance already largely exists; it just has to be implemented. See below for the relevant legislation (in particular relating to vulnerable adults):




See here for a full list of other questions that didn't quite get through the 'filter'

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

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