Are people who go to aa allowed to be sponsors for al-ateen? I have an issue with a male who sponsors our children's al-ateen group. He has made inappropriate comments to myself. I have spoken to another sponsor of the group. The other female adult responses are basically that's just how he is. I'm starting to get sick of hearing that. As we don't want myself or our children around him now, we're limited in going to the meetings only when he's not there.
To me it doesn't seem fair, when he has his program and our children are missing out on there's.
I'll preface this by saying that I'm new and don't know nothin'.
You are right to keep your children from this man. The woman's response is unacceptable (in my opinion). If it were me, I'd call the next higher up authority and voice my concerns. Please be very specific with examples as what exactly was said that you felt was inappropriate. This is a very touchy area.
Is there another group that you can attend meanwhile? Your children need their meeting, too.
I have absolutely NO experience with Al-ateen. I'm basing my reply on my experience on being head of a non-profit organization that served children. I had a fellow convicted of a sex crime against children try to get involved with our group.
I hope this comes to a satisfactory resolution for all involved.
I don't know Tracey - when it comes to adults being inappropriate around children, I personally would go with my gut. But that's just *my* opinion. Have you asked about this at the al-anon board? Someone there may have some advice for you.
-- Edited by Christine63 on Tuesday 21st of February 2012 04:57:24 PM
There aren't any other al-ateen meetings near us as we live in the country. We have to travel an hour each way to meet the one we go to now. It would take us us about 2-3hours to reach the next one.
I'm actually looking at becoming an al-ateen sponsor next myself next year. One of the criteria is that you need to have gone to al-anon for 3 yrs. That's what I mean. I know he used to be a part of al-anon but he's told me that he doesn't feel the connection to it that he feels for aa. He also tells people that he does it to make up for his past behavior when he was drinking. A sort of amends thing I guess. The kids who go like him a lot. I know if I go further with this, other people/parents will not like it if I do. It seems to be happening now. They don't see anything wrong with his behavior. I'm the one who should lighten up and accept him the way he is.
Hi Tracey, My wife is an Alateen sponsor, and there are very strict guidelines when it comes to Alateen. I suggest you get a copy of the Al-Anon Alateen service manual and read through it. You can also get more info at www.al-anon.alateen.org/members. Here in South Africa, she needs to go for a police clearance certificate before working with Alateen children.
By the sounds of it he has the proper paper work to be able to do it. I guess though that it doesn't prevent inappropriate comments to other adults. There are other women who aren't happy with the way he speaks or has spoken to them. I'm not the only one.
I'm sorry Tracey, but I'm not familiar with Al-Ateen. It doesn't seem like a healthy environment for any teenager though, so I suggest you find other accommodations. Maybe, do some research and start your own group. Just suggesting, that's all. I hope this helps.
-- Edited by Mr_David on Sunday 26th of February 2012 03:30:35 AM
