The family of Alabama Baptist pastor Ken Daniel has responded following his Oct. 19 arrest on charges of “facilitating solicitation of unlawful sexual conduct with a child.”
Along with messages being shared in various outlets from family and friends asserting Daniel is innocent, his daughter Megan Daniel posted a video “In Defense of Ken Daniel” to YouTube on Oct. 23 detailing what she describes as misinformation and violations of his constitutional rights.
In the video, Megan Daniel requests formal apologies from news media outlets and calls for an investigation into the Blount County Sheriff’s Office.
The Alabama Baptist attempted to contact the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office on Oct. 21 to ask about details of the investigation, but calls had not been returned as of 4 p.m. on Oct. 24.
Best practices
According to childwelfare.gov, when an allegation of possible child abuse is made, an investigation should be initiated and conducted by experts in child welfare/children’s advocacy.
“Investigations may be conducted by child protective services staff and/or law enforcement and often include a multidisciplinary team,” according to the site. “Child protective services investigations must reflect a balance between protecting children and preserving the rights of parents and family members. Child welfare workers and family advocates should work to support families to help provide safe and nurturing environments so that children may remain in the home or in a relative placement when possible.
“Children’s advocacy centers offer an evidence-based, trauma-informed, multidisciplinary response to child abuse allegations through multidisciplinary team coordination, forensic interviews, medical exams, evidence-based mental health services and victim/family advocacy. The forensic interviews conducted with alleged victims of child abuse are often essential to the investigation. Investigations include interviews of children, parents and others who may have knowledge of the situation.”
The Alabama Baptist also attempted to contact church leadership Oct. 21 regarding Daniel’s arrest but was unable to connect with anyone until early afternoon Oct. 24, when voicemail messages were traded. More information will be provided once available.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Click below to read an update on this story posted Oct. 28, 2022.
Share with others: