MISSION - Bikers Against Child Abuse® International

MISSION

B.A.C.A. Mission Statement

Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

How B.A.C.A. Works

B.A.C.A. International, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) is organized with a central contact person to receive calls from referring agencies and individuals. A recognized, authorized agency with which the child has had contact determines that the child is still frightened by his or her environment. The agency representative contacts B.A.C.A., or refers the individual to contact B.A.C.A. and the name and address of the child is given to our B.A.C.A./Child Liaison. The Liaison verifies that the case has been reported and the authorities have been contacted, and the case in being processed within the system. The Liaison contacts the family and an initial ride is organized to meet the child at their home or in some other location where the child will feel comfortable. The B.A.C.A. chapter rides to meet the child and he/she is given a vest with a B.A.C.A. patch sewn on the back. The child is free to wear the vest or not, and we support their decision. The child is also given bumper stickers, and other gifts that are generally donated by the public. These initial visits generally last about a half an hour.

Following this initial contact, the child is given the name and number of two B.A.C.A. Members residing geographically closest to them, who then become the child’s primary contacts. Prior to becoming the primary contacts for the child, the bikers are cleared for participation by passing an extensive background check, have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year, and have received special instructions from the Licensed Mental Health Professional. Anytime the child feels scared and feels the need for the presence of his new B.A.C.A. family, the child may call upon these bikers to go to the child’s house and provide the necessary reassurance to feel safe and protected. B.A.C.A. Members and supporters also support the children by: providing escorts for them if they feel scared in their neighborhoods; riding by their homes on a regular basis; supporting the children at court and parole hearings; attending their interviews, and; staying with the children if they are alone and frightened. The B.A.C.A. Members never go to the child’s house alone and never without the knowledge or permission of the parents. Our Mission is not to be permanently engaged as the childs power. Our Mission is to help the children and their families learn how powerful they can be. Our presence will be available as long as the child needs us. B.A.C.A. also holds other functions for the children such as Bar-B-Ques, and parties.

Level 1 Intervention

“Levels of intervention are only performed as indicated in Countries where it is permitted by that Country’s governing laws.”

The Level one (L1) is a very empowering part of our process. We unite as many Members as is appropriate for the particular child(ren), ride to their home, and welcome them into our B.A.C.A. family. It is our physical presence and affiliation during their time of need, that help convey the important message that they are not alone and have support from their biker family that spans the globe.

The purpose of the Level One (L1) is to empower the child(ren) with our physical presence. We will ride to the family’s home or previously designated location with as many members and supporters as is appropriate to welcome them into our family and introduce them to their primary contacts.

Level 2 Intervention

“Levels of intervention are only performed as indicated in Countries where it is permitted by that Country’s governing laws.”

Most empowerment for the children will happen with the L1, and subsequent interaction with their primary contacts. Occasionally however, one of our children may fear further abuse and intimidation from their abuser. Should this be the case and an imminent threat is perceived, we send B.A.C.A. Members to stand at the ready, to shield them from any further abuse when the family may be at their most vulnerable. We do not condone the use of violence in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

The purpose of the Level Two (L2) is to empower and support the child(ren) when they feel the most vulnerable. A L2 will not be held for every case. One will only be held as necessary, to assure a child under threat, understands they can be safe in their own home or when they must travel to testify against their perpetrator.

Court Appearances

Testifying is one of the scariest things our heroes have to endure, and attending court with our heroes can be one of the most empowering things we can do for them.

If the child(ren) want the extra support and empowerment during their difficult time during the court process, and the judge allows us, we will escort them. Our presence offers them the empowerment needed to find their voice and tell court officials what happened to them. This can often be a huge part of their healing process, and keeps other children from having to suffer the same abuse at the hands of their abusers.