Child Abuse Registry Checks in Canada for Elders?

by headisspinning 7 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse

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  headisspinning

  I have been following Steven Unthank's case in Australia and it got me to wondering about the laws in Canada. So, I sent a letter to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to find out if religious leaders in Canada are required to undergo any type of criminal child abuse registry check. I am a caretaker for a building and my husband and I had to have these checks done, so it makes sense the 'elders' would have to as well. (Although I know they never do).

  I will let you know what response I get.
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  sizemik

  Good move headispinning . . .

  Attention is only given to these things if someone is prepared to whack the donkey . . . and if we aint gonna do it, who is?
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  looloo

  hi there headisspinning , long time no see , hows your life going and the book reading coming along ? x
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  Quarterback

  The only law or rule that Canada has on this, is the reporting to the Society when it is found out. The Regulations changed sometime in the 80's that made it necessary to file a report to the Children's Aid Society.

  Normally when you are working with Children in Canada a CPIC check is necessary to have done. This also applies if you are voluntering in Nursing Homes and where you will be caring for people.

  The Elders do not have to be checked in this way. But, I heard that known Pedophiles must be accompanied by someone while out in service.

  Not too sure about that one. Maybe someone has some direction on this
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  headisspinning

  Okay, well the Canadian Centre for Child Protection just told me to call a 'Jehovah's Witness church' and ask them what their process is. So I wrote them back and said I already did that and there really isn't much of a 'process' in place.

  Then I contacted the government of Canada directly through the provincial website and I asked them if there are any laws in place. I am awaiting their reply.

  I will let you know what happens.
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  jgnat

  Even though the federal government likes to pretend they are in charge, child protection is a provincial responsibility. I suspect rules vary by province. By the response you got, I would say generally the checks are voluntary by religious organizations and the Child Protection Registry is suggesting, "buyer beware". It might be fun to produce a bookmark to insert in WT magazines at the laundromat, "Does your church run a child protection check on it's workers?"
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  Gayle

  I hope someday soon (not JW kind of 'soon') that the Victoria, Australia government regarding their Background Check Act will be enforced for the WTS, and that all countries, Canada, the U.S., and all other countries follow suite in the enforcement.
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  jgnat

  Canada looks to Europe for trends in legislation, and Conservatives look to Australia for ways to cut government spending.