The Mid-Missouri Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse rides strong to protect local children.

Motorcycles are a fairly common sight on the roads these days. However, if a group of bikers is sporting a black, white, and red patch featuring a fist in the center, they’re not just out enjoying the open air. These bikers are members of B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

“If you’re ever driving down the road and you see a group of B.A.C.A. members riding together, know that they’re doing business to go help a kid,” says Ratchet, vice president of the Mid-Missouri chapter of B.A.C.A. and president of Missouri’s B.A.C.A.

Sadly, society has failed to eradicate child abuse; B.A.C.A. members have taken on the mission of supporting children who have been abused so that they no longer live in fear of their abusers.

“We work in conjunction with local and state officials to help abused kids,” Ratchet explains. “They refer the parent of that child to our organization. We meet with that parent and explain to them exactly what we do. We bring that child into our chapter; give them their road name, one that they pick; and make them feel like they’re part of our family. We help that child gain confidence and reduce their fear so that they can go to court and give their testimony. In a perfect world, the perpetrators would be completely separate from the kids so that when it came time for court, there would be no intimidation from either side. We’re not in a perfect world.”

A child therapist specializing in play therapy, known within the organization as “Chief,” founded B.A.C.A. 30 years ago in 1995 to help the abused children he worked with, whose progress was often reversed by continued contact with abusers.

B.A.C.A. members aren’t therapists, and no one can erase the trauma that the children in the program have experienced; but B.A.C.A. aims to end that trauma and fear going forward. So, they stand between children and their abusers, whether that means surrounding the child as they walk into court, being available to the child 24/7, or even camping on their lawn if the parent or guardian feels threatened by the perpetrator.

“We’re people who love kids, and we want to relate to them at that level,” Ratchet says. “But at the same time, we take what we do very seriously. We take the security of these kids very seriously. We give every single one of our members a full National Crime Information Center (NCIC) background check through the FBI to ensure that they’re good people. The state of Missouri has a program called the Rap Back program that will alert us if one of our members is arrested for any reason. A prospective member begins working with a sponsor within the chapter. Their sponsor ensures that they understand the process and procedures with all aspects of the B.A.C.A. mission.”

In a perfect world, the perpetrators would be completely separate from the kids so that when it came time for court, there would be no intimidation from either side. We’re not in a perfect world.”

— Ratchet, president of Missouri’s B.A.C.A

In addition to its 13 chapters in Missouri — one of which is in Jefferson City — B.A.C.A. has a presence in 18 countries around the world, 47 of the 50 states in the U.S. Unfortunately, the work is far from done.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers, Rachet says. “B.A.C.A. members are of varying ages, careers, ethnicities, etc. The only requirements are a love of motorcycles, a clean background check, and a love of children.”

However, if you aren’t a biker, you can still support the mission through financial donations on B.A.C.A.’s website, bacaworld.org, or by mailing a check to the address listed on their site.

“We don’t do fundraisers,” Ratchet says. “None of our members are paid. All the money that B.A.C.A. uses to help these kids comes from the public, and we use those donations for things like the vests and the patches that they get when we make them part of our family. We give them some comfort items, like a B.A.C.A. blanket, a teddy bear, and a night light that shines a B.A.C.A. logo on their ceiling. So, when we’re not there physically, they still have a reminder that we’re still there in their mind. Sometimes, we’ll pay for therapy if they can’t get it through Medicaid or whatever insurance they may have.”

One of the big things B.A.C.A. does for children is throw a summer party. The party typically includes bounce houses, hot dogs and hamburgers, ice cream, dance contests, and games. They also have a full Christmas dinner with turkey, stuffing, and all the traditional fixings. Santa also typically makes an appearance.

“We’ve left parties with our fingernails painted or makeup put on by certain kids,” Ratchet says. “If it brings a smile to the kid’s face, we’re willing to do it.”

For those who can’t help financially, spreading awareness is a great way to help.

“I just want people to know that there are people who are willing to help,” Ratchet concludes. “If you know of a child who has been abused, go to the parent or grandparent of that child, whoever has custody of that child. Let them know that B.A.C.A. is there, and B.A.C.A. may be able to help.”