Bikers make a difference in protection of abused children

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Bikers Against Child Abuse

By Stan Welch – There is an official structure in place for the support and protection of abused children in South Carolina, and in every state across the nation.

Social workers, legal advocates, law enforcement and court officials all share a bias towards the protection of children. Millions of dollars are spent each year maintaining this support system; and yet, there are roles that those in officialdom cannot fill, functions they cannot perform.

To do so in their official capacity could prejudice court proceedings and affect cases. Often, the children involved in the four thousand active cases of child abuse in South Carolina are intimidated by their tormentor, or by the atmosphere and surroundings of the legal process itself.

This is where a remarkable organization, Bikers Against Child Abuse, or BACA, steps up.

Working with the formal structure, they provide another layer of protection and support. Founded twenty one years ago in Provo Utah, by a biker and licensed and trained social worker and therapist, John Paul “Chief” Lilly, BACA fills the cracks in the wall between the tormentor and the child.

Their presence in thirty different countries and forty nine states makes them a truly international organization.

Members of the Upstate chapter of BACA appeared recently before the Anderson County Council to introduce themselves and explain the nature and function of their group. Their calm, quiet commitment to their goal is in stark contrast to their stated desire to be the plague against child abuse.

Wobbles, the road name of the Upstate chapter president, stated to the Council that his group is at war with child abuse of any description, from physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as exposure to child pornography.

The organization’s members undergo months of training in such diverse fields as counseling and courtroom etiquette. Each child who accepts their offer of involvement receives his or her own ‘cut’ or biker’s vest and their own road name.

They also receive a teddy bear that each BACA member embraces before passing it on. Two members are assigned to each child, as their big brothers and protectors. That is at the first level of involvement.

At the second level, if it is necessary, BACA members will actually remain on site at the child’s location, providing a human barrier to anyone seeking to harm or intimidate their new family member. “If conditions call for it, we will camp in the front yard in shifts until a situation is resolved. We can draw members from other parts of this state and even neighboring states. Our commitment to these children is total.”

The sight of these bikers, clad in denim and leather and riding gear is eye catching and comforting to their new charges. A number of emotional and psychological benefits have been documented as a result of BACA’s involvement, including an increased likelihood that a child will disclose the facts of his or her abuse.

Members also visit the child’s school if it is deemed necessary, making their presence and commitment known.

The organization also maintains a therapy fund for the use of children in need of counseling, but unable to afford such services. The members sought no funds from the Anderson County Council, only assistance in spreading the word of their war on child abuse.

Wobbles, speaking to The Journal afterwards, explained that his members, who cover the Upstate but only number a dozen at this time, pay their own expenses, including gas, tires and other operating expenses. “One hundred per cent of the funds we receive goes to the kids. One hundred per cent.”

Under further questioning, he did say that a club house facility, somewhere that an office could be established , and that the club could hold its monthly meetings would be a great improvement.”

“We can pay the utilities and other expenses, and if it needs fixing up some, we can do that. We just have better uses for our money than paying rent, like taking care of the kids.” As a 501c()(3) organization,any such contribution would be a tax write off.

Those wishing to contact Wobbles or BACA to learn more can go to www.southcarolinabacaworld.org or email him at wobbles@up-sc.bacaworld.org