FAQ’S
What is Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.) Inc.?

Bikers Against Child Abuse, Inc. (B.A.C.A.) is a non-profit, 501-C-3 tax exempt organization that exists to provide aid, comfort, safety, and support for children that have been sexually, physically, and emotionally abused. We are dedicated to the principle that one of the basic rights of childhood is to be safe and protected, and when the child’s family or environment have failed them, we stand ready to provide it to them.

B.A.C.A. is a strong organization of dedicated individuals who are willing to sacrifice any and all in order to protect and secure a child’s basic right to a happy childhood.

Why is there a need for B.A.C.A.?

B.A.C.A. was founded by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who was a Registered Play Therapist/Supervisor, and who taught part-time as faculty at Brigham Young University for seventeen years. He was in practice for over twenty years, most of which has been spent in the treatment of abused children. He became keenly aware that while the system was able to offer much in the way of helping children to heal, there were gaps that needed to be filled.

The two major gaps were: providing for the safety of the children and, providing funding for their therapy. Even with the court involvement to protect children from further abuse with the issuance of protective orders and removing perpetrators from neighborhoods, the perpetrators continued to access and wound the children. It would be naive and misrepresentative to believe that law enforcement officials could protect these children from their perpetrators on a continual basis. Further, many children that are abused do not qualify for therapy funding because their cases did not meet the basic requirements of the rules of evidence, and the cases are closed. While it might be clinically evident that a child has been abused, that child might not qualify for therapy benefits because he/she was too frightened to provide enough evidence for the case to be pursued. He noted that children who feel safe are more capable of telling the truth because the threats made by an abuser are offset by the presence of dedicated bikers that have now become part of the child’s world.

In addition to becoming a presence in the life of wounded children, B.A.C.A. also provides for the children by attending court proceedings and parole hearings with them, escorting them to and from school or errands if necessary, and many other ways to insure that the children are free from fear and can return to their previous level of adaptive functioning.

One of the greatest and most unique assets of B.A.C.A. for the children is its’ biker family attitude. Bikers are a tightly knitted group. The brotherhood and family values are not just a way to live, but a way of life. One for all and all for one, is not just a quote, it is our reality. The children have an uncanny sense for honesty and trust. The children can feel when they are being lied to or deceived. When a large group of bikers ride to a child’s home to support and honor that child, and the bikers tell that child that he/she does not need to be afraid anymore because the bikers are there and will be there under any circumstances, the children feel the security of a brotherhood. Children understand that child abusers are cowards that prey on the helpless. After children have been introduced into the B.A.C.A. family they are not helpless or powerless anymore.

How did B.A.C.A. start?

B.A.C.A. started as an idea to help one wounded child. This child was eight years old at the time, and was so frightened of his perpetrators that he would not leave his residence. Our founder, having had kind and loving experiences with bikers in his youth was moved to include this boy in his biker circle. Within weeks, this boy was seen all over town riding his bike and playing with other children. The idea to rally the biker community in defense and in support of children was actualized in 1995 when the first ride was held to visit wounded children and bring them into the biker family- that first ride had twenty seven bikes present. From there it was only a matter of time before the word spread quickly about what was happening in Utah. Shortly after forming the first chapter in Utah, another chapter was formed in Utah, then Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas, and the rest is part of the B.A.C.A. history. What was started as an idea was actualized by the dedicated and heartfelt love of bikers across the country.

Who are the Members of B.A.C.A.?

First and foremost, B.A.C.A. Members are bikers. We all share a common love of the open road on two wheels and the brotherhood and sisterhood that can only be found in the biker community. Professionally, members of B.A.C.A. come from all walks of life. There are professionals, blue collar, and everything in between. B.A.C.A. only discriminates against one kind of person- child abusers. Everyone else meeting the basic requirements and has the time, the commitment, and the energy are welcome.

What is required to become a Member of B.A.C.A.?

To become a full-patched B.A.C.A. Member a person must have regular access to a motorcycle that will do the speed limit. They must be 18 years old or older. They must submit to a federal fingerprinted background check. They must attend monthly B.A.C.A. meetings, rides, court hearings, other B.A.C.A. events and ride with the B.A.C.A. chapter for one year “minimum”. They are then presented to the governing Board of Directors and must be unanimously voted in to become a Member.

What measures are taken to ensure that no child abusers can become members of B.A.C.A.?

All member applicants must submit to and pass a federal fingerprint background check. They must attend B.A.C.A. meetings and events during their first year and must be unanimously approved worthy by a Board of Directors. Further protection is implemented by policy that does not allow any one Member to be alone with a child, ever.

Do B.A.C.A. Members receive training?
Every year at the annual international meeting and conference B.A.C.A. conducts more than a dozen workshops. Some of the sectionals focus on such issues as: childhood trauma, the effects of abuse on children, effective means of communicating with victims of childhood abuse, biker conduct with the children, and other topics relevant to the safe and gentle implementation of our mission with the children. Additionally, every B.A.C.A. chapter has access to a Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP). That LMHP is also responsible for conducting training for the B.A.C.A. membership. While our LMHPs are from differing disciplines, their dedication and desire to help unifies us in our Mission.
How does B.A.C.A. protect its members from accusations of child abuse?
First, B.A.C.A. Members have to make sure that the abuse has been reported to the appropriate authorities. There are people who will try to take advantage of our Mission for their own gain, but our kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. There are several ways to obtain background information about a referral case. There are police reports that are reviewed, court transcripts, and medical records, which can be and are used as verification. In some cases interviews with family and friends can be helpful in establishing verifying or discrediting ruling out a potential case. Once we verify that the abuse has been reported, the Members get a feel for the people involved fairly quickly. Any information that doesn’t seem right is addressed with all members involved in making the decision.

Secondly, we have at least two Members present when meeting with children at all times. Not only does this give better protection against false accusations but it also gives our Members better insight and interpretations as to the ability to accurately assess the situation with the abused child. It also adds to the feeling of security for the abused child by having big friends around. Children feel the safety and strength of our numbers when multiple Members are present.

How does B.A.C.A. receive referrals?
B.A.C.A. Members get calls from parents, guardians, police, child-care agencies, etc. informing us about potential referrals. Once we receive a call we must then verify that it is in the system as a case of child abuse. Sometimes calls come for situations that are not in the system and we instruct the people involved that any abuse must be reported to the authorities before we can become involved. We give them direction as to whom to contact in their area. This not only gets law enforcement and child-care agencies involved where needed, it also weeds out the false claims that we see from time to time. Some people incorrectly think that we are vigilantes for hire; we are not.
How is B.A.C.A. received by the general public?
Because we are bikers, there are times when the uninformed may have understandable, but unfounded concerns about B.A.C.A.. The media, Hollywood and some unscrupulous authors have helped to stereotype all bikers in a negative light. Because of these misconceptions about bikers in general, B.A.C.A.’s image is sometimes harmed.

In order to counter the misconceptions, B.A.C.A. Chapters conduct and attend community events to meet with the public and answer questions that people may have. This not only introduces B.A.C.A. to the public to educate them about who we are, it also helps raise awareness of child abuse and demonstrates an extremely effective venue through which the epidemic can be addressed. Public presentations have also proven to be a very effective way for people to get involved in preventing child abuse. Once people talk to us for a few minutes and get an understanding of our commitment to children, they are generally very supportive. Over and over we hear comments such as “How can I help?; It’s about time somebody is really doing something.; and I wish you guys were around when I was a kid.”

On the other hand, we are not especially popular with those that have been incarcerated for their actions against children, nor are we popular with those that prey on children. We have made, and will continue to make enemies of those who harm children.

How is B.A.C.A. received by law enforcement agencies?
B.A.C.A. is well received by law enforcement. Our mission itself provides that there should be no question of who we are and what we are about. Even so, we take steps to remove any doubt.

Chapter representatives meet informally with Law Enforcement Organizations (LEO in biker terminology) in order to introduce B.A.C.A.. Brochures and contact information are left with an open invitation for a meeting to answer any questions they may have. B.A.C.A. also meets with law enforcement when we take a referral in a particular area in case residents may have concerns about a large group of bikers coming into their community. This is to assure the police that our Mission is not to take vigilante action against perpetrators. This also makes it easier for the police to reassure the citizens that they have nothing to fear from us. Police may have a temporary presence in an area where we are riding to talk to anyone who may be concerned and also see how we operate. Many police agencies have escorted us to the homes of our children.

Should it be necessary to implement a Level II, we will notify the police when we will be doing a security detail requested by the family as this makes it easier for the police involved. In many ways we go out of our way to work cooperatively with the police.

Does B.A.C.A. support legislation that protects and helps children?
As an organization we support any legislation that protects and aids children, and as voting individuals we are free to vote in accordance with our best judgment. Collectively we can (as voting individuals) have a great impact on current laws that fail to protect or enforce protection for our wounded children. We can, as individuals, support other organizations that facilitate the lobbying of bills to the Senate and Congress.
How are B.A.C.A. chapters are presently funded?

B.A.C.A. is funded by donations from the public. Some donations come from corporations, other charitable organizations such as Rotary Clubs, Lions, Eagles, Shriners, popular rock bands, celebrities, private business owners, and other motorcycle clubs and organizations. Many B.A.C.A. Members have made personal sacrifices, using their own funds to help the support the Mission.

International Merchandise does not exchange merchandise to the general public. Please contact the chapter nearest to your location to inquire about merchandise availability. Thank you for your support.

How are B.A.C.A. funds distributed and for what purposes?
Presently, most funds are raised and used by individual chapters. It has long been the philosophy for B.A.C.A. to use monies in the communities from which they are raised. The purposes of the funds are multifaceted. B.A.C.A.’s administrative costs may include telephone services, Internet services, website, postage, office supplies, printing of brochures and other resources.

When we visit a child we may also use our financial resources to provide him or her with B.A.C.A. mementos such as a vest, patches, pins, a stuffed B.A.C.A. bear or monkey, a blanket, and toys to give the child a sense of security and belonging. The vest has a small patch on the back that identifies the child as part of our B.A.C.A. family.

B.A.C.A. also finances a therapy assistance fund to support children’s therapy when they are left without resources. B.A.C.A. contracts with licensed therapists known for their expertise in working with children and pays them a discounted rate for their services. The therapy assistance fund is also used to help finance activities that will help empower the child to feel more secure in their environment. Examples are karate lessons, cheerleader camp etc. No one in B.A.C.A. is ever compensated for their efforts in B.A.C.A.. 100% of all monies donated to B.A.C.A. goes to support the Mission.

Does B.A.C.A. have regular audits?
B.A.C.A. was issued permanent recognition by the Internal Revenue Service in June of 1998 as a tax-exempt, charitable 501-C-3 organization. B.A.C.A. is also classified as a public charity under sections 509-A-1, and 170-b-1-A-vi of the Internal Revenue Code. B.A.C.A. qualifies to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. The international treasury committee conducts an audit of each chapter periodically to ensure that all monies are being used to support the Mission.
What is the significance of the patch?

According to the founder of B.A.C.A., and Rockit, the B.A.C.A. International Trademark Specialist Officer and originator of the B.A.C.A. patch, the following areas hold significance:

  • Red represents the “blood shed by wounded children”
  • White represents the “innocence of the children”
  • Black represents the “dark times the child goes through”
  • The fist represents “our commitment to stop child abuse”
  • The skull and crossbones is the symbol to the “death to child abuse”
  • The chains represent “our united organization”