Why is it important to conduct screenings and who should be requesting them? 

​Implementing thorough screenings is a crucial step in maintaining the sanctity and safety of our temples. Such measures help ensure that individuals with a history of abusive behavior are not placed in positions of authority or influence within the community, such as leading classes, engaging in deity worship, managing operations, or guiding congregational activities like kirtans. 

Screening also ensures that abusers will not have access to children, or be welcomed to live in an ashram on ISKCON property or similar. Oftentimes abusers will pass from temple to temple, fulfilling different positions or different services, getting support, and repeat offending if they have access to children. This can be avoided if temples and organizers require CPO clearance on devotees they will be engaging in service. 

​If you are a temple president, organizer (e.g. festival planner or kirtan scheduler), Gurukula principle, or person of influence (like GBC or social media presenter) you should be screening whom you allow to sing, move into the temple, give class, visit your school, host on your social media platform, join any managerial role, etc.