DMK SafetyNet Questionnaire for Mission Boards regarding Allegations of Abuse ~ Response International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention

Does your organization have a policy regarding the handling of allegations or suspicion of abuse of children in schools operated by you or schools where the children of your missionaries are sent?	Yes
If you have a written policy, would you provide us with a copy of that policy?	Yes See Policy. It encompasses more than just schools, but certainly includes school situations.
How does your organization define abuse?	Any act that involves sexual molestation or sexual exploitation of a minor. It shall include, but not be limited to, acts of incest, rape or sexual offense in any degree, sodomy or any unnatural or perverted sexual practices, lewd or indecent acts of proposals, including improper touching, fondling, or encouragement of a child to participate in acts of prostitution or pornography.
Is your policy disseminated to the missionaries serving under your board as well as to school staff and any others who are entrusted with the care of the children of your missionaries?	Yes, it is distributed to all of our personnel. At this point, it is probably seldom distributed to others; however, your question will likely stimulate us to begin to do so.
If so, how is it disseminated?	It is given to personnel before they begin to serve with us, and they are required to affirm that they have read and understand the policy. They also receive any updates to the policy (as well as all other policies.)
What happens when it is alleged or suspected that an adult abused a child who is currently or was formerly part of a missionary community?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
Who investigated the allegation?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
If so, to what agency or agencies?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
If so, to whom?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
If the perpetrator is dismissed, who is informed?	This question, and all of its subpoints, is fully answered in the attached policy.
What provisions are made for appropriate treatment for the victim?
(Please speak to psychological therapy, counseling of parents to support their child, help for the parents.)	Our member care system, in the States and globally, arranges for and oversees all needed treatment and counseling for the victim as well as for the victim's family.
What happens when it is alleged or suspected that an older child abused a younger child who is currently part of a missionary community?	An assessment team, similar to the assessment team process indicated in the attached policy is appointed.
Who investigated the allegation?	The appointed assessment team.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Reports to outside agencies are made when there is some indication of veracity of the allegation. To whom the report is made depends on the country in which the alleged incident occurred.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes
If yes, who is contacted?	Families of other potential victims, schools or dorms or other entities that may be related.
If the allegation of abuse is substantiated, who is informed?	Essentially those mentioned above.
Who decides whether or when the juvenile perpetrator is psychologically fit to be allowed back into the school (or dorm or mission hostel, etc.) where the abuse took place?	The perpetrator is never allowed back in. Usually, the family will be returned to the States.
Is psychological therapy made available to the juvenile perpetrator?	Yes, appropriate counseling and therapy is made available.
Is psychological therapy made available to the child who was abused?	Yes, appropriate counseling and therapy is made available.
Are the parents of the perpetrator and the child who was abused counseled?	Yes.
If so, are family members free to see therapists of their own choosing?	Yes. Within parameters, and in consultation with our member care system.
When an adult (former MK) alleges that he or she was abused as a child by a missionary caretaker, what procedures are in place to investigate the allegation?	The attached policy applies.
Who conducts the investigation? (Please speak to the affiliation, credentials, training and manner of the investigation.)	An assessment team, as outlined in the attached policy. This will almost always include a licensed counselor and an attorney. The investigation is carried out in a professional manner, following formal investigative guidelines used for various types of investigations.
Who will be contacted and interviewed?	All persons who might have information bearing upon the allegation.
Will the investigators attempts to contact and interview all adult former MKs and others who, because they were once in the alleged perpetrator's care or lived in close proximity to him or her, were vulnerable to abuse?	Yes, there will be an attempt to contact all such persons. Whether they will be interviewed will depend upon their interest in and/or willingness to be interviewed.
When an allegation of abuse is found to have validity, what is the process for investigating the allegation?	See attached policy, and answers above.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	See attached policy.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?	See points 2 and 3 of section VIII of the attached policy.
If the perpetrator is currently employed at a school, church, or other institution where he or she has contact with children, who is responsible for informing the employer about the perpetrator's history of abuse?	The Executive Vice President of the IMB will make certain that the employer and others are informed.
Who in your organization is responsible for ensuring that the perpetrator does not again gain employment in a school, church, or other institution where he or she would have access to children?	We will notify all appropriate authorities and entities, but cannot ensure what others may choose to do in the future, even though they are informed of the situation.
What steps are taken to help the victim heal?	All needed counseling and therapy is provided.
Is psychological therapy available to the abuse victim?	Yes.
If so, is the therapist of the victim’s choosing?	Within parameters, and in consultation with our member care system.
What support services will be made available to the parents and siblings of the abused survivor?	Appropriate member care, counseling, and therapy are provided.

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