GBC resolution: Enhanced Approach for Child Protection in ISKCON (2025)

Proposal Title: Enhanced Approach for Child Protection in ISKCON



Brief Summary: ISKCON recognizes the critical importance of protecting children and
maintaining trust within its communities. This proposal builds on the establishment of a
Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC). This enhanced approach for child
protection and safeguarding is necessary to ensure consistent global standards,
independent case investigations, and a comprehensive approach to child protection. By
adopting a more decentralized approach with guardrails and oversight, this resolution
seeks to prevent abuse, ensure justice and support the recovery of affected individuals.



Main Resolution Proposal

Whereas:

   •   Child protection is critical for ISKCON’s spiritual and organizational integrity.

   •   ISKCON’s global activities and presence requires a more comprehensive approach
       to create global coverage and ensure the safeguarding of children.

   •   A blended approach (top-down and bottom-up) is essential to build awareness,
       reduce risks, and foster a culture of safety.

   •   Leadership teams at all levels must be empowered with resources, training, and
       clear accountability to ensure proper implementation of ISKCONs child protection
       policy.

   •   Clear separation of concerns with independent third-party investigations, regional
       adjudication, and appeals mechanisms are vital for fairness and impartiality

   •   Localized ownership, inclusive of funding is necessary to ensure sustainable
       resource allocation while maintaining alignment with regional needs and
       responsibilities.

Resolved that:

   1. ISKCON reaffirms its unified global child protection policy, requiring regional,
      national, and local leadership to align with this policy.

   2. Regional Governing Bodies (RGBs), national councils, and local leadership teams
      will be responsible for ensuring policy compliance and reporting outcomes.

   3. Leadership teams at all levels will be trained and supported by child protection
      experts to mitigate risks and implement safeguarding measures effectively.

   4. Independent third parties will conduct case investigations to maintain objectivity
      and compliance with relevant policies and laws. Investigations will follow
      established protocols aligned with trauma-informed practices to ensure fairness
      and transparency.

   5. Regional adjudication and appeals mechanisms will uphold consistency in justice
      processes, ensuring consistency in outcomes and avoiding conflicts of interest.

   6. Safeguarding measures will focus on grassroots engagement to raise awareness,
      build community resilience, and equip families with tools to identify risks.

   7. Local and regional funding mechanisms will ensure that child protection efforts are
      sustainable and tailored to the unique requirements of each area.

   8. Periodic audits will assess compliance and effectiveness.

   9. Feedback from community members and leadership teams will be used to refine
      processes and address challenges promptly, ensuring continuous improvement.

   10. Regional councils (RGBs) and local leadership teams will be accountable for
       executing the implementation plan associated with this enhanced approach to child
       protection, with oversight provided by the Child Protection Oversight Committee
       (CPOC).



It is further resolved that this enhanced approach is approved for immediate
implementation. The implementation will be led by the respective RGBs and the CPOC.
ISKCONs Justice Minister will serve as the transitional ICPO director to provide
international coverage (where required) whilst RGBs implement the enhanced approach.

The effectiveness of this enhanced approach will be formally reviewed by the GBC after six
months and annually thereafter.