Date: 9th May 2024
Time: 1:30pm CST
DESCRIPTION:
The webinar will take a deep dive into the legal landscape surrounding safe environments for child-serving organizations. It will underscore the paramount importance of abuse prevention and outline operational responsibilities for child safety for all people working with minors. Attorney Airdo will discuss, best practices in hiring, emphasizing a thorough screening and selection process and identifying the red flags in potential employees and volunteers; comprehensive abuse prevention policies and training, including the essential elements of both; reporting strategies and procedures, stressing the urgency of prompt action; the establishment of confidential reporting channels; and cooperating with civil authorities; insights into navigating false allegations with integrity and adherence to due process; and get real-world insights into what best practices are addressing the crisis, should an institution be faced with an allegation.
SPEAKER
Michael A. Airdo
Michael A. Airdo is a founding Member of Airdo Werwas, LLC. Mr. Airdo is a fierce litigator and skilled negotiator who zealously advocates for his clients in all arenas. Michael prides himself in accomplishing objectives that others think are impossible to achieve. He embodies the Firm’s Motto: “Providing Solutions. Getting Results.” He has a broad base of experience in representing the unique legal needs of religious institutes and religiously-sponsored ministries. Mr. Airdo represents mental health professionals and has a wide array of experience in resolving matters through the alternative dispute resolution process. He is a frequent lecturer on topics related to his legal practice, including board governance and fiduciary liabilities, local government risk management, retailer risks, and the legal and pastoral response of child-serving organizations to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Mr. Airdo received both his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, and his law degree, with honors, from DePaul University. Mr. Airdo works closely with the Resource Center for Religious Institutes (“RCRI”) and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (“CMSM”). He is on Praesidium’s National Advisory Council for the Y-USA.
