Juliana Koons (Adjuster, Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, BC) is a very proud member of B.A.C.A – Bikers Against Child Abuse: an international organization whose mission is to create a safer environment for abused children – to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live.
“I used to ride in my early twenties, but then stopped when the kids came along,” explains Juliana. “But a couple of years ago, I started riding again and connected with the B.A.C.A. Chapter on Vancouver Island. My husband and I underwent the extensive background checks, and after riding with the chapter for a year, have completed the extensive training to become full members.”
Here’s how it 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 contact info for the guardian is given to the B.A.C.A. Child Liaison. The Liaison verifies that the case has been reported and the authorities have been contacted, and the case is 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 cut (vest) with a B.A.C.A. patch sewn on the back. The child is free to wear the cut or not, and we support their decision. 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, completed the extensive training and have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year.
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 guardians. Their Mission is not to be permanently engaged as the child’s power; but to help the children and their families learn how powerful they can be. B.A.C.A.’s presence is available as long as the child needs it.
“When we ride as a group to meet the child, it’s amazing to see the change in the child from when we first arrive to when we leave – just a 30- to 40-minute visit! And the child is suddenly less wary, less frightened, feeling safer and engaging with us! It’s incredible how we can demonstrate to the kids that we can support them, we’re in their corner, and how that helps them feel safe again. And as Juliana adds: “The only people who are afraid of us, are those who should be.”
Watch this video for more information about how B.A.C.A. works to protect abused children: https://youtu.be/tuF3WqJUMKc?si=2tSSe78x8iehzRtd
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.
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About the Volunteer Spotlight Series
During Canada’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 19–25, an Insider article invited our people to share their volunteering stories. Six stories were chosen to be promoted in this summer series so that their contributions and the great work of their organizations could be recognized by a larger audience. This is profile 5 of 6. The next article in the series will be posted on September 14 for a little Monday Motivation.