1. Part A: Safety/Legal matters Behavior problems in the group
Alateen Training Module IV
Dealing with Challenges in Alateen
After the introductory slides, start here for Part A.
Key points for facilitator: Note what will be covered in this section.
Part A: Safety/Legal matters Behavior problems in the group

2. Safety/legal issues Matters of physical safety are not negotiable,
and not up to the group.
Alateen Group Sponsors have the responsibility to insure that the meeting is a safe place. “Engaging in roughhousing, fighting, overt and covert sexual behavior or any other inappropriate activities before, during, and after an Alateen meeting or event can put you or your group in a dangerous position…” (from Alateen Safety Guidelines, G-34)
Be familiar with your Area Alateen Requirements, Area Alateen Process, and local laws.
Research local resources and hotline phone numbers that could help a child with a dangerous or abusive situation.
What are examples of physical safety challenges?
Key points for facilitators:
Destructive or dangerous behavior cannot be tolerated, and the Alateen Group Sponsors set basic or minimal safety requirements for the group and implement them.
These safety requirements can be enforced by the group as well as the Sponsor(s).
Your Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements provide guidance.
DISCUSSION: give examples of safety challenges; discuss how to approach them.
Roughhousing, hanging out windows, etc.
References:
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27): “…Al-Anon/Alateen meetings are not above the law,” page 54.
*Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34) “Help the Alateen member to establish limits,” page 2.

3. Safety/legal issues Mandatory reporting
“Child abuse laws relating to mandatory disclosure usually refer to individuals performing in a professional capacity, and not as volunteers. It is advisable that the laws in each state/province/country be investigated because they do vary from place to place. Where reporting is required, there is no choice but to comply with the law.” (Alateen Safety Guidelines, G-34)
If reporting is mandatory, how do we prepare the Alateens?
If a mandated reporter is present, the Alateens must be made aware of this at every meeting, before sharing begins, so that they have a choice in the subjects they share. If it becomes necessary to report something, do it as an interested and concerned adult, not as a representative of Al-Anon or Alateen.
Key points for facilitators:
Discussion: What steps can we take when we know reporting is mandatory?
By informing the Alateens of applicable laws, they have a choice in what they share.
References:
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) “Members need to exercise care in sharing information that could require outside reporting to local, state, provincial, and national authorities.” (page 42)
*Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “Where reporting is required, there is no choice but to comply with the law…Alateen Group Sponsors and AMIAS that are required by law to report cases of suspected child abuse should let the Alateens know, up front before sharing begins, that they will disclose incidents that are discussed at the meeting or event….any reporting is done on a personal basis rather than as an Alateen Group Sponsor…” (page 4)

4. Safety/legal issues When thinking of reporting
Whether reporting is mandatory or not:
Start by discussing the matter with the Area Alateen Coordinator, DR, or other trusted servants according to the Area Process.
Before reporting, discuss your intentions with the Alateen member.
Follow advice of legal counsel regarding keeping identities anonymous.
Any reporting is done as an individual, not as an Alateen Group Sponsor or AMIAS.
(Taken from the Alateen Safety Guidelines, G-34*)
Key points for facilitators:
Discussion: what do we do when thinking of reporting?
Talk to each other
Talk to the Alateen member
Follow legal advice
Any reporting is done as an individual
References:
*Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34), page 4:
“Alateen Group Sponsors and Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service who feel a moral responsibility or are compelled by law to report cases of suspected child abuse should contact their Area Alateen Coordinator, District Representative, or other Area designated trusted servant prior to reporting. It is important to reason things out through the Area process before disclosure, keeping in mind the Traditions and the Alateen member’s anonymity.
“Prior to reporting to authorities, the Alateen Group Sponsor or Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service should also discuss their intentions with the Alateen member to avoid placing the member in danger and to maintain confidence and trust in the Alateen Group Sponsor/AMIAS and the Alateen program. It is important to follow the advice of your local legal counsel, as keeping the identity of the alleged abuser anonymous is important, since accusations of child abuse are defamatory and could lead to claims of libel and slander. In order to keep the Alateen fellowship from public controversy, any reporting is done on a personal basis rather than as an Alateen Group Sponsor or Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service.”

5. Safety/legal issues Mandatory reporting
Al-Anon and Alateen are not above the law.
[Insert applicable local, state/provincial, or national laws regarding adults who work or volunteer with children.]
Key points for facilitators:
The confidentiality of sharing in Al-Anon and Alateen meetings has no legal standing.
Discussion: present your local laws regarding adults that work with children.
References:
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), page 42: “…Al-Anon and Alateen meetings are not above the law. Members need to exercise care in sharing information that could require reporting to local, state, provincial, and national authorities.”
Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “Legal and Traditional Responsibility…,” page 4.

6. Safety/legal issues Finding the balance among Concept Three and Traditions Two and Four
Concept Three: The right of decision makes effective leadership possible.
This tells us the right of decision makes effective Alateen Group Sponsorship possible: within the framework of their job description, it should be traditional for Alateen Group Sponsors to decide which matters they can handle on their own, and which they will report, consult others, or ask specific direction.
Key points for facilitators:
What is “within the framework of their the job description” for Alateen Group Sponsors?
What matters might an Alateen Group Sponsor have the authority to handle without discussing with others?
What matters might an Alateen Group Sponsor ask for help with?
What matters might an Alateen Group Sponsor take to the Alateen group for discussion?
REFERENCES:
Alateen Service e-Manual, Members’ Web site, al-anon.org/members
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27): Concept Three: pp
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for Alateen (P-18): Tradition Two, pp ; Tradition Four, pp
Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “Set Boundaries,” page 2.

7. Safety/legal issues Finding the balance among Concept Three and Traditions Two and Four
Tradition Two: For our group purpose there is but one authority—a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants—they do not govern.
The Al-Anon solution to group problems is found in Tradition Two, which refers to “trusted servants.” Alateen Group Sponsors are trusted servants to the Alateen group and to the Al-Anon fellowship. There is accountability.
Alateen Group Sponsors do not govern or own their Alateen groups.
Key points for facilitators:
Discussion:
To whom is an Alateen Group Sponsor responsible? How are they accountable?
How does that accountability apply to the Alateen Group?
To an Alateen Conference?
To our District/Area?
REFERENCES:
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27): Concept Three: pp
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for Alateen (P-18): Tradition Two, pp

8. Safety/legal issues Finding the balance among Concept Three and Traditions Two and Four
Tradition Four: Each group should be autonomous, except in matters affecting other Alateen and Al-Anon Family Groups or A.A. as a whole.
Know what the Tradition means.
What types of matters fall under group autonomy?
What matters might affect other Alateen groups as a whole?
Al-Anon Groups as a whole?
A.A. as a whole?
How can we determine the difference?
Key points for facilitators:
Discussion: what matters fall under group autonomy?
EXAMPLES:
Matters that might affect other Alateen/Al-Anon/AA groups: use of outside literature, inappropriate behavior.
References:
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for Alateen (P-18): Tradition Four, pp

9. Safety/legal issues Keep the focus on safety
What are some common sense ways to keep the focus on safety?
Transport Alateens in a group and with another adult
Do not transport Alateens without parental permission
Obtain permission/medical care forms when required
Be gender & number conscious
Key points for facilitators:
Discussion: what are common sense ways to keep the focus on safety?
Use common sense and avoid one-on-one interactions with Alateen members, for their safety and for yours.
Consult Area Requirements regarding the need for permission forms. Medical care authorization forms must be notarized if you take child away from the parent/guardian.
References:
*Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34), “Additional Safety Procedures,” page 3
Area Alateen Safety and Behavioral Requirements

10. Behavior problems Setting boundaries with Alateen members
Treat Alateens with respect.
Demonstrate Al-Anon principles with what you say and do.
Do not accept unacceptable behavior.
How can we accomplish this?
Use “I” messages, sharing our own feelings about the situation.
Don’t be afraid to ask a disruptive Alateen to leave the meeting.
Ask for help from other AMIAS.
Key points for facilitators:
Discussion: how can we model Al-Anon principles?
Give samples of “I” messages.
Identify what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior before the meeting or event.
References:
Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “Set Boundaries,” page 2.

11. The group can set the rules before there is a problem!
Behavior problems Identify physical safety issues vs. group behavior problems
The group can set the rules before there is a problem!
Group problems might be:
Dominating the discussion in meetings
Rudeness
Getting off topic
Lack of self-discipline
Age differences
Key points for facilitators:
If the Alateen group sets its own behavior guidelines, they will be more willing to abide by them.
Disruptive behaviors such as side conversations, fooling around or getting off topic are matters that the group can deal with.
Discussion: what types of behaviors/group problems might we encounter and include in group guidelines?
References:
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27): “Group Problems and Solutions,” pp
*Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “It is suggested that Alateen groups create behavior guidelines so that everyone knows what is expected before, during and after the meeting.”
Alateen—Hope for Children of Alcoholics (B-3), “Remember!”, page 100: “Always remember that Alateen meetings are working sessions. Let’s make the best use of the time we have.”

12. Behavior problems Siblings
Are asked to:
be peers in the meetings
keep family rivalry or problems out of the group
keep each other’s confidences
Key points for facilitators:
Siblings are fellow Alateen members in the meetings.
Important that all siblings understand this
If group is large enough to split into two meetings, siblings can go in separate rooms.
References:

13. Behavior problems Addressing a problem in the Alateen group
When there is disruptive behavior in the group, both group members and Alateen Group Sponsors can ask members to stop.
If attempts to resolve a behavior issue directly with the individuals have not worked, the behavior may need to be discussed by the group.
For example, the group might discuss, “how will we handle use of cell phones and texting during our meetings?”
Key points for facilitators:
Alateens may not have addressed all behaviors that can be disruptive.
If attempts to improve behavior of an individual have not been successful, the group can discuss adding to their behavior guidelines.
References:
Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “It is suggested that Alateen groups create behavior guidelines so that everyone knows what is expected before, during and after the meeting. Then, if you or anyone else in your group is uncomfortable with the actions of another Alateen member, a discussion regarding the group’s behavior guidelines is appropriate.”

14. Behavior problems Addressing a problem in the Alateen group
Say the Serenity Prayer. Then either the Alateen Group Sponsor or an Alateen member may share the problem in a general way with the group, inviting discussion.
Encourage the Alateens and Alateen Group Sponsors to apply the Traditions to the situation and to stick to Al-Anon/ Alateen principles.
The group may decide to update their behavior guidelines, including actions to take with violators.
The group may decide a group inventory would be helpful.
Key points for facilitators:
Stick to principles
Encourage the group to study the Traditions and how they apply
Use Conference Approved Literature and Service Tools
Discuss whether a group inventory would help
Talk to each other…
This process also works when there is a problem with an Alateen event.
References:
Alateen—Hope for Children of Alcoholics (B-3): “When our group needs to solve a serious problem, we try to learn all we can about the subject and discuss it in the light of the Traditions.” (page 29)
Taking a Group Inventory Guideline (G-8a/b)
Using Al-Anon Principles to Resolve Conflicts Kit (K-70)

15. Behavior problems Alateen resources in our literature and service tools
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual
(P-24/27)
Alateen: Hope for Children of Alcoholics (B-3)
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for Alateen
(P-18)
Al-Anon/Alateen guidelines, Alateen Service
e-Manual, the Service Manual and guidelines
are available at:
al-anon.org/members
Key points for facilitators:
Alateen Group Sponsors have a wealth of Al-Anon CAL to support them in study of the Traditions and Concepts of Service. Not all may be applicable to use in the Alateen group meeting.
In addition to CAL and the Service Manual, Al-Anon/Alateen guidelines contain a wealth of information for Alateen Group Sponsors and the Alateen groups.
References:
Alateen—Hope for Children of Alcoholics (B-3): “Remember!”, page 100.

16. Behavior problems A group inventory may help
Taking group inventory can help to prevent problems, as well as to identify them and find solutions.
Giving the Alateens responsibility for their meeting or event can deepen their commitment to upholding behavior requirements.
Resource: Taking a Group
Inventory guideline (G-8a/b)
Key points for facilitators:
It’s a good idea to have the group take inventory periodically, not just when problems arise.
References:
Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27): “Group Inventory,” page 53.
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions for Alateen (P-18): “If we want the members of Alateen to get as much help as possible from the program, we must make sure that our group is in good shape…”, page 26.
“Participation is the key to harmony.” (Concept Four)

17. Behavior problems Group conscience vote
The next step is to discuss “taking an informed group conscience” with the group.
After the matter is discussed and voted on, the group honors the opinion of the majority.
When the Alateen group determines its own behavioral guidelines and the process for dealing with violations, the group members will monitor their own behavior.
Key points for facilitators:
Important concept, that after discussion, everyone votes their opinion, and then honors the majority opinion, even if they did not vote with the majority.
References:
Al-Anon & Alateen Groups at Work (P-24), p. 53.
Alateen—Hope for Children of Alcoholics (B-3), “Let’s remember that there are no bosses in Alateen or Al-Anon. We are all responsible for the activities and actions of our group and its members…We make decisions by group conscience.” (page 100)
Alateen Safety Guidelines (G-34): “Alateen members are made aware that they bear responsibility for their own actions, and that through their actions, they set an example for Alateen and Al-Anon as a whole.”

18. Alateen Training Module IV Dealing with Challenges in Alateen
This is the end of Part A.
If time does not allow to cover all the material in one session, this is a suggested breaking point.
End Part A:
Continue with Part B