WRCF SAFETY POLICY/PROCEDURES
FOR DEALING WITH SEX OFFENDERS/PREDATORS
WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

The Wiccan Religious Cooperative of Florida, Inc. is a non-profit church, organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Florida. W.R.C.F. was formed as a legal structure for the practice of Wicca, Paganism, and Neo-Pagan religions. These Paths are loosely based on a variety of traditions, and closely connected with the Goddess-focused religions of the ancient Indo-European and pre-Indo-European peoples.

  The Wiccan Religious Cooperative was formed in order to serve the religious and spiritual needs of the rapidly growing Central Florida Wiccan community. W.R.C.F. is not a coven, nor do we dictate specific tradition. Instead, we strive to function as an umbrella group, designed to encourage Wiccans of many paths and traditions to come together for worship, socializing, education, assistance, and peace.

  On release from prison sex offenders may seek to join W.R.C.F. This may be because of a genuine desire to worship and seek help in leading a new life. The aim of the Church is to be welcoming and inclusive, but this needs to be tempered by the risk sex offenders/predators may pose and the manipulative strategies they may use. (Only 5.3% of registered sex offenders repeat the crime).

  To allow us to do this we need to have clear strategies for how we respond to those released from custody who seek to join our churches. Should a known offender seek to join a church a frank discussion should take place with him/her and open communication maintained. It is essential that clear boundaries are established - both for the protection of children and young people and to minimize the possibility of the adult being falsely accused.  The following actions should be implemented:

  ·       Church leaders should ensure they maintain close links with any probation officer or other professionals involved with the offender.

·       Discuss the situation with the Board of Directors and keep them informed of actions.

·       Be open and honest with the offender and maintain this contact.

·       Prepare contract which includes:

·       Attending only meetings agreed with the leadership - these should be clearly detailed. Attendance at any other meetings must be agreed in advance, in writing.

·       Always sitting apart from children and young people - if necessary the offender must move to another seat if children or young people sit near him/her.  Stress that it is the offender's responsbility to maintain the requirements of the contract at all times.

·       Staying away from areas of the building where children meet-times and locations should be specified. You may with to make special provisions should the premises have shared toilets.

·       Attending house group or other meetings only in the homes of those who do not have children and where no children will be present.

·       Declining any hospitality which would include contact with children.

·       Never being alone with children - the responsibility is on the offender to ensure this is enforced. If children or young pepole approach the offender he/she should stop contact immediately and walk away.

·       Never working with children or being involved with groups where children are present.

·       The contract should be discussed with the offender and the church leaders should ensure he/she fully understands it. The offender should sign and retain a copy; a copy shall also be maintained by the Board.

·       The contract should be enforced at all times. Never allow the offender to manipulate you. Never make any exceptions. Never accept claims that children or young people 'made the first move' or 'befriended' the offender.

·       Consider who you need to tell: the Church, certain key workers or leaders.

·       Provide close support and pastoral care for the offender. Ensure contact and discussion is maintained regularly. Do not allow the offender to break this or dilute it.

·       If the contract is broken ban the offender from Church. If you have to do this you should inform the Board of Directors and other Churches in the area.  It would also be wise to inform the Probation Officer of the action you have taken. If there is no Probation Officer contact the local Police and explain what has happened to a member of the community.

  Remember that your prime responsibility is to maintain a safe environment for children and young people in your care. While this focus is on children and young people become aware that people who wish to join the Church may have committed sexual offenses against other groups. It may be appropriate to enter into a similar contract to safeguard the group most vulnerable to the offender. Should you have concerns about any individual who seeks to join it may be possible to determine whether or not they pose a risk.  

While details of offences cannot be disclosed by any professional body, they may be able to advise about levels of concern or caution.

  Areas of concern might be:

·       Someone who seeks to join but is vague or tell contradictory stories about where they have been in the past and what they've been doing.

·       Someone who seeks to become involved in work that would give access to children or young people but refuses to submit to a background check.

·       Someone who displays unhealthy or worrying interest in young people or children - seeking to befriend them, their families, offering to baby-sit, etc.

·       Trust your instincts - if you (or others) have concerns investigate and if necessary take action.