Hi, question mark.
Here are some things my church does to keep reproach from coming on our congregation. Anybody interested in working with children must take a workshop on how to recognize signs of abuse, and what is appropriate and inappropriate touching. We are even instructed in detail on how we are take our charges to the washroom (doors held open, etc.). We complete an application including several character references, and a police check.
There is no question that any allegation would be immediately reported to the authorities.
The Kingdom Hall is a slightly different scenario, as there are no separate programs for youth. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities for a person in authority to be alone with a "young one". The sense of separateness and purity may lull some people to trust their young ones in the care of other adults at the Kingdom Hall. One thing I did learn from my course, is that pedophiles are always on the hunt for places where they can get easy access to children. Children who are unlikely to contradict their elders. From a pedophile's point of view, churches, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, children's clubs, and sports clubs are all ripe opportunities.
You mention a case where an MS was nearly convicted wrongly. Note that justice was eventually served. I still maintain that the court system is far more balanced and fair than the wagging tongues at the Kingdom Hall.
...so how could the WT policy be beefed up?
- Report all allegations to the authorities - let them sort it out.
- Do regular reference checks on all those recommended for authority.
- Encourage children to speak out if they are mistreated in any way.
- If a person is charged but not convicted of a criminal offence, remove them from their position of authority until all is sorted out.