By Mary Leaver, Editor

Area representatives of a statewide organization believe that children who have already endured abuse or neglect should not have to be victimized all over again. That’s why they have dedicated themselves to empowering children and helping them regain confidence.

The members of the Western Oklahoma chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse support not only the children who have survived abuse, but also lend their support to OKDHS workers and initiatives that benefit children.

“Our mission is to empower children not to feel afraid of the world in which they live,” said Bruce “Resident SOB” Horne, BACA media and public relations.

“They see us and feel empowered,” said Mark “Speedy” Casebolt, chapter president. “We can’t take the hurt from them, but we can strengthen them and help them stand up.”

Horne has been active with the group for four years and was invited to join by a BACA member in Tennessee, where he previously lived. His day job is hosting a radio show.

“When the child comes into our life they may feel like a disposable object. We help them get their personal space back. We tell them, ‘As long I’m here, you have no concerns. Someone will have to go through me first.’

Casebolt has been active in the group for five years, after he met another BACA member. During the week, he works as a driver. He said his childhood included some challenges that made the issue hit close to home.

“My childhood was ripped away from me,” he said. “There wasn’t an organization like BACA back then. It’s a shame that we even have to exist, but we thank God we’re here to help people.”

“It’s a plague,” Horne added. “One in five boys and one in three girls will be abused during their lifetime. It can be stopped. DHS, the police departments and youth and family services are all great assets.”

Empowering Children, Lending Support to Partner Agencies
Whether offering their support to the child, the child’s family, attending court proceedings or the numerous activities they support year-round, it all begins with the initial meeting.

Horne described the process of getting to know the child and the child’s family.

“We first establish that the child is genuinely frightened and it’s the real deal. Then we have a 20 to 30 minute meeting with the family and the child,” Horne said. “If the child is willing, they receive a BACA vest and a road name.”

From there, two BACA contacts are assigned as child liaisons and maintain contact with the family and respond to whatever needs might arise. Each chapter has a licensed therapist that acts as an advisor. The therapist advises members on how to interact with the child.

“We are sensitive to kids’ needs,” Horne said “Some kids are very shy, and that’s OK. We work with them over time.”

Horne said his organization usually receives a referral early in the case, and either from caseworkers or law enforcement. Being visible early in the process helps BACA members establish trust among all parties who are working for the benefit of the child.

“We openly work with DHS and understand the need for privacy and confidentiality,” Horne added, and the group works within that framework. He said they’re careful that their actions don’t affect the case and they always encourage the child to be truthful.

From her perspective, Christi Park, OKDHS child support specialist, said BACA is always willing to help when she calls and they are motivated by their concern for children.

“They give children their safety and confidence back. I am so glad that we have been able to work with them,” Park said. “I have enjoyed working with them these last two to three years and look forward to continue working with them. I strongly encourage fellow OKDHS workers to contact them and get to know them and their organization.”

Horne said BACA has never experienced any conflict between the group and OKDHS caseworkers assigned to a child’s case. Horne pointed out BACA can help foster parents, if they feel threatened or harassed by a child’s alleged abuser.

“The police department may not be able to come out preemptively, because the child’s mom or foster mom is scared. They may only come out if something has happened, but we can come out anytime,” Horne added. “We can also witness a (Victim’s Protective Order) violation. Our concern is always for the child.”

Horne said their unique position allows them to fill the holes that other organizations can’t because of manpower needs or policy guidelines.

“The police department can’t stay outside the house all night, but we can,” he said.

As a case makes its way through the court system, BACA supports the child by attending court proceedings and acting as an emotional shoulder to lean on, or sometimes even providing a human shield for a child who is intimidated by an accused abuser. Casebolt said when a child looks up and sees at least half a dozen BACA members in the courtroom, the child is empowered to look right at their abuser and speak up.

During a recent court proceeding, a child testified against her alleged abuser. During a break in the testimony, the child had to visit the restroom. As a group, BACA members encircled the child and escorted her to the ladies room and back, walking right past her alleged abuser. Because of the group gathered around her, she was not afraid to walk past the alleged abuser and continue her testimony. The group’s ongoing support since then has helped her to move past the court proceedings and to try to resume her life, Horne added.

Strict Standards, Guidelines Govern BACA
Becoming a member of BACA isn’t as easy as just signing up. The group is very selective and has a well-established screening process, Casebolt said.

A prospective member receives a mandatory state and federal background check, Horne said. Then they spend 60 days riding with the group, getting to know everyone, before they have any contact with a child or the family. Then they must ride with BACA for another year before becoming full-fledged member. They are considered “support members” until that time, he added.

BACA’s board of directors has the final say on whether a candidate is going to be able to be a member. Some are not invited to join, even if they’re eligible, Horne explained.

BACA members are then governed by a strict set of standards.

“We have a strict code of conduct and we don’t tolerate any deviation from that,” Casebolt said. “You adhere or you’re gone.”

The group absolutely does not encourage or condone any type of violent behavior, Horne said. Typically abusers find out BACA is involved and leave the child and the family alone. BACA lets law enforcement sort out any disagreements and provides a visual deterrent, he added.

However, if an alleged abuser is violent toward a child or BACA member and they have no choice but to defend themselves or the child, they will gladly put themselves in between the abuser and child, Horne stated.

Positively Impacting a Child’s Life
The rewards come from not only helping a child and their family, but also in the positive, long-term impact on a child’s life, Casebolt said.

One child they met was given the road name “Shy Shy” because she would not leave her room the first time BACA members visited her. Gradually, she came out of her shell and by the fourth or fifth visit, met with the members.

“At the (BACA sponsored) bowling party, I almost didn’t recognize her because she was so happy, smiling and outgoing,” Casebolt recalled. “Her dad gave me a hug and said ‘Thank you.’ Dad had tears in his eyes. It took all I had not to join him.

“That’s what it’s about for me,” he stated. “To see what that meant to the family and that child.”

BACA’s concern for the child doesn’t end with the possible resolution of the criminal case.

“They are our children for a lifetime or as long as they need us,” Horne said. “They are our little brothers and sisters. We try to give them strength at a hard time. We let them stand on their own but we’re there if they need us.”

“We’ve even had some as adults, call us and ask for help,” Casebolt added.

Members are ‘Regular Folks,’ Focused on Mission
With the recent popularity of television shows and movies inaccurately depicting bikers, Horne said they understand that people can be intimidated by their appearance.

“We don’t care if we’re intimidating, as long as it’s not to the people we’re trying to help,” Casebolt smiled.

But a child looks past the appearance, Horne said. Kids relate to the motorcycles and they ask questions about the members’ tattoos. That opens a dialogue between the child and the members.

“Our members come from all walks of life,” he continued. “There are drivers, doctors and retired military and law enforcement personnel. It’s someone who wants to make a difference and help someone.

“We’re regular folks, just the same as you.”

Casebolt said the children they serve help them stay focused on their mission.

“When we’re riding, we’ll think ‘It’s too hot’ or ‘It’s too cold’ but then we remember that it doesn’t compare to what the children go through,” he explained. “We’ll say, ‘Get on your bike,’ and ‘C’mon, let’s go.’”

They stay busy with a number of events year-round, including the Tri County Youth Conference for Canadian, Kingfisher and Blaine counties, back to school parties, El Reno’s annual Burger Day, bowling parties, health fairs, community presentations, the annual Foster Family Expo and numerous awareness rides. In April, designated nationally as Child Abuse Awareness Month, all chapters participate in a 100-mile ride to raise awareness about child abuse prevention.

There are 14 BACA chapters in Oklahoma, each serving communities in a 60 miles radius, but BACA members will find a way to serve any community. BACA is a 501(c)(3), not for profit and they encourage people to learn more about their organization by contacting one of the local representatives, or by visiting their Web site at http://www.bacausa.com/ (Lnk opens in new window).