CHILD PROTECTION
"These children are given to us by Krishna, they are Vaishnavas and we must be very careful to protect them. These are not ordinary children, they are Vaikuntha children, and we are very fortunate we can give them chance to advance further in Krishna Consciousness. That is very great responsibility, do not neglect it or be confused. Your duty is very clear. Hoping this will meet you in good health." –Srila Prabhupada Letter to: Arundhati Amsterdam 30 July, 1972
New Vrindaban Dhama Child Safety Policy
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New Vrindaban Temple welcomes children of all ages. Please help us keep the temple a safe and pleasant place for everyone by adhering to the following policies:
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A parent or guardian must accompany and supervise children 12 years and under at all times.
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Please help us provide a safe space while visiting New Vrindaban by providing an activity for your child while in the temple room, as well as remaining with your child at all times.
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Help children understand: how to behave with respect in the temple room; to sit at the dining tables – not climb on them; where to play and where not to play.
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Where to play: designated playing areas are the playground outside the Lodge, as well as the family room in the office wing of the Temple.
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Where not to play: Tulasi pavilion; flower beds; barn; fountain area; in the parking lot/driveway; climbing/breaking trees
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For safety reasons, children bicycling, skateboarding and riding on scooters is not permitted on the temple grounds.
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Children may look at but are restricted from picking Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s flowers.
We Love Children!
By following these guidelines for a safe visit to New Vrindaban dhama you will help ensure a pleasant time for everyone.
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Temple residents and staff are not responsible for unsupervised or unaccompanied children.
If a temple resident or staff becomes aware of an unattended child, they will try to contact a parent or legal guardian. If unable to locate a parent/guardian, appropriate authorities will be contacted.
New Vrindaban Dhama Child Protection Team
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The purpose of the New Vrindaban Child Protection Team (CPT) is to provide community members a place to report any concern of child abuse or neglect. The CPS also helps create an environment safe for children through awareness, education and child safe policies. The CPT follows the ISKCON Child Protection Office Guidelines which include confidentiality and reporting to local legal authorities when appropriate.
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The CPT serves under the Mission of the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection: To protect the children of Srila Prabhupada’s movement from child abuse and neglect. By doing so, we strengthen the future of the movement – the children - while providing an example to the world of a spiritual society that practices compassionate caring and protection.
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Serving on the New Vrindaban Child Protection Team are:
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Bhaktin Sarah â€+1 (386) 965-8322‬
Tulasi Manjari Devi Dasi: +44-793-683-8322 (WhatsApp only)
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Please contact us regarding any concern of child abuse or neglect you may have.
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What is a Child Protection Team?
A group of devotees, chosen by the local ISKCON community, who have initial responsibility for responding to reported child abuse and are reasonably knowledgeable on what to do and what not to do, can offer guidance to parents and other community members and will follow-up to insure proper procedures have been followed.
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Child Protection Teams are required by GBC resolution:
It is every GBC’s duty to be sure there are active and trained CPTs in place at the temples/projects/schools under their supervision with help and reminders from central and/or regional child protection office.
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An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
In an effort to increase awareness, support and healthy family dynamics, we will periodically be posting educational seminars on this community board that are scheduled in and around the NEW VRINDABAN community. Keep a lookout for these opportunities and help spread the word. Even if some events do not directly relate to your life, you may be able to help a friend or family member to navigate through a difficult situation someday.
To learn more about child protection in ISKCON North America visit www.SafeTemple.org
CHILD PROTECTION
At ISKCON New Vrindaban, we take child protection seriously. Recognizing and deeply regretting the incidents of the past, we have zero tolerance of anything that resembles child abuse, be it physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect. We insist on the right of all children and young people to live in an environment where they are protected from exploitation and abuse, where they are nurtured and guided, and where they can actively participate in temple/devotional activities within the ISKCON community.
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When raised in an atmosphere of love, support, and understanding, children are likely to play a vital role in the future of our Society. Thus, placing the interests of the children first is not only in the best interest of the children themselves, but also of ISKCON, and society at large.
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Appreciating the value of our children, we don’t just respond to reported abuse but work proactively to prevent it. Some of the measures we have taken include:
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having a trained and active Child Protection Team (CPT)
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ensuring all CPT members and members of temple management receive annual child protection training
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maintaining a policy of children being supervised by a designated adult at all times while on ISKCON property
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strictly complying with Child Protection Office (CPO) requirements for screening all residents, staff and main volunteers who serve in trusted positions. This includes getting references from other ISKCON temples or leaders; running criminal background checks; and getting clearance from the North American CPO
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enforcing restrictions imposed on certain individuals by the CPO
In recognition of ISKCON New Vrindaban’s ongoing commitment to child protection, the CPO has awarded us the Safe Temple Award three years in a row. That’s every year since the award was instituted.
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Our current Child Protection Team (Madri dasi, Vrindavan Pallika devi dasi and Bhaktin Beverly) is ready to answer any questions or address any concerns about the safety of the children in our community. The main contact information is below:
Madri dasi – festivals@newvrindaban.com
