[Ansteorra] Bad things

[Ian Dun Gillan]

Now that this thread has an opportunity to stop being personal conjecture 
and is now turning in a better direction I have something to say.  Thank you 
to Don Robin for the redirect, and thank you to Burke and Ivo for following 
along with that.

Children are truly precious and we need to do everything we can to protect 
them, they are not only the future of the SCA but the future of the world. 
We  here in Ansteorra are often leaders in innovations with in the SCA. We 
should start now to put into place some changes that would help protect the 
children and our organization. What ever is done should be accomplished is 
such a way to not hindering all that we do in the SCA. In my, non-parental , 
non-lawyer, opinion there are a few ways to be as safe as possible and still 
be able to include children and youth activities.

The first option would be to require parents to be physically present at any 
and all SCA activities involving their child. This also means that children 
of any age under 18 would have to be in the physical presence of their 
parent at all times. If the parents are present and involved in the same 
activity as their minor child then if something wrong does happen it would 
most likely not be the SCA who is at fault. .

The second option would be to change the waivers signed by each adult who 
brings a child with them waiving the SCA of any and all legal 
responsibilities to the safety and well being of this child and taking on 
themselves all such responsibilities.

The third option is to become very strict on the policy all ready in place 
that does not allow children or teens to be dropped off for any activity in 
any regard involving the SCA, if there is not a legal guarding present with 
a signed and notarized waiver. If a minor is left unattended at an event, 
meeting, or practice with out a parent or legal guardian then that minor 
should be remanded to the local authorities until the parent can be located 
to pick them up.

The fourth option is to require background checks of all individuals who 
work with minors (MOCs, Youth Marshals, Chirurgeons, etc.) Then to limit 
those adults who take place is children's and youth activities to people who 
have passed the required background check.

Please remember that this is only my opinion and does not reflect in any way 
the official opinion of  the Crown, Kingdom or SCA. I know that these 
options seem rather harsh and that there would be some uncomfortable 
adjustments especially with teens, and parents who are used to allowing 
their child to run free...but what is needed for a child's safety is some 
absolutism in the creation and implementation of policies. What we are 
looking for here is the safety of the children and the continuation of the 
SCA brought forth in the best way possible.

Sincerely,
Ian Dun Gillan
Baron of Northkeep