Blogs & Media
Blogs and multi-media on issues at the intersection of law and religion
Children categories
The Rock and the Hard Place (27)
Giving Missions Organizations a Solid Foundation in Legal and Psychological Issues — by Dr. Brent Lindquist of Link Care Center and Theresa Lynn Sidebotham, Esq. of Telios Law PLLC
View items...Part 7: Open Communication and Impartiality in Investigations
Monday, 13 May 2013 Written by Brent Lindquist, Ph.D.
This is quite helpful Theresa. I think the biggest issue here, is, wait for it, …communication! Part of me still struggles with wondering if it is possible to investigate a complaint by a party, gather information through an investigation through all parties, and end up by determining that the complaining party is more the problem than anyone else. Read More→
Part 6: What Reports or Observations Trigger an Investigation
Tuesday, 07 May 2013 Written by Theresa Lynn Sidebotham
In our hypothetical, Tom and Sally reached out and made allegations to the mission leader. It seems fairly obvious this should have triggered an investigation. But we probably want to spend more time thinking about how investigations get started. When should you investigate? A number of situations may call for an investigation. Read More→
Part 5: It Really is About Confidentiality and Trust in the Investigation
Friday, 26 April 2013 Written by Theresa Lynn Sidebotham
In your hypothetical, there is already a lack of mutual trust. Tom and Sally are seen as being perpetual complainers. And your mission leader isn’t consistent. He “usually” investigates and doesn’t have a methodical approach. So what do complainants have the right to know about the progress of an investigation and what is the effect of trust issues with leadership? Read More→
Part 4: Complaints, Protection, Confidentiality and Trust
Saturday, 13 April 2013 Written by Brent Lindquist, Ph.D.
I can see where if you deal with complaints in a regular process, and document them, it makes for good protection. Two comments, though, one about confidentiality, and one about trust. In a perfect world, people see leadership as benevolent, compassionate, trustworthy (don’t laugh! I am going somewhere with this!). However, the reality is that we each project our own ... Read More→
Part 3: Some Points About Your Policies - Protecting and Reporting
Sunday, 31 March 2013 Written by Theresa Lynn Sidebotham
Let’s talk about policies—the types of policies you should have and how people can report without either personnel or the company running into problems with retaliation. Your conduct and discipline policies should also prohibit retaliation, and a separate whistle-blower policy is a good idea. An important piece in avoiding sticky situations is to have a complaint or grievance procedure. Read More→
Part 2: How Whistle-blowing is Protected and Why You Want it Anyway
Wednesday, 20 March 2013 Written by Theresa Lynn Sidebotham
Hi Brent, Back in law school, sometimes the prof would weave the entire semester’s legal principles into one diabolical hypothetical, and the single exam question would be your entire grade for the course. The general answer is that Mission Leader in your hypothetical is in big trouble, and the mission is probably now facing a lawsuit. Read More→