Punishment of Children -- Accusation and Response

The accusations of physical and psychological punishment against children and adolescents in the Heralds of the Gospel were investigated by multiple agencies -- Ministry of Human Rights, Board of Education, ALESP, Public Prosecutors of Sao Paulo and Parana -- all of which concluded there were no irregularities. Additionally, 2,583 parents and guardians signed a petition defending the institution. A specific investigation in Belo Horizonte found that the community in question was composed exclusively of adults, with no children present.