DMK SafetyNet Questionnaire for Mission Boards regarding Allegations of Abuse ~ Response OMF International

	E-Mail: TCKCare@omf.net
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 OMF maintains standards of conduct for those involved with the care of children (children of members, hostels, outreach to children, etc.)
If you have a written policy, would you provide us with a copy of that policy?	Yes. Basic policy: OMF Intl is committed to the prevention of child abuse and to the protection of children and young person. this commitment means that the interest and welfare of the child or young person are the prime consideration when any decisions is made about suspected abuse. Every child has the right to: be safe from abuse and harm; have their disclosures about alleged abuse acknowledged and appropriate support given; have access to all appropriate legal processes available
How does your organization define abuse?	It is any action or lack of action which causes a child or young person to be harmed, ill treated, neglected or deprived - physically, emotionally or sexually. (Details available in policy paper)
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.
If so, how is it disseminated?	Each person is required to read the Handbook as part of their candidate acceptance process. They are then asked to sign a "Terms of Agreement" document that they have read and will abide by the Handbook. In addition, in the US, all candidates attend a session on child safety as part of their candidates' course.
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?	(there is one policy to respond to Child abuse - it is detailed in the Policy paper and abbreviated here.) Disclosure: Staff respond to suspected child abuse by writing down observations, impressions and communications which cause concern. No staff acts alone but consults with senior staff. Child's safety is of utmost importance -protection from alleged abuser. Discreet inquiries will be made to try to determine if there are other victims.
Who investigated the allegation?	Staff writes confidential detailed reports. Senior staff will arrange to involve approved support personnel. The leader will report the situation to IHQ who will monitor, advise and review proceedings.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes.
If so, to what agency or agencies?	We will involve outside agencies with expertise and experience if this is appropriate and will bring better resolution. The laws of the home country of any alleged abuser would be followed.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes.
If so, to whom?	If the abuse is substantiated, the investigation would be broadened to include other children and their parents in the community, the boarding home or school.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	In the US we are required by law to report. We would report to the responsible state agencies in both Colorado (where OMF is headquartered) and in the State where the alleged abuser is from.
If the perpetrator is dismissed, who is informed?	In the US we would need to inform supporting churches. We also would work with the state government authorities to determine who should be informed in the particular state of origin of the abuser.
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 agency will support children, family, staff and others involved in an investigation and seek to provide appropriate treatment. This includes: psychological support, counseling, financial cover of therapy/counseling, setting up a support group for parents.
What happens when it is alleged or suspected that an older child abused a younger child who is currently part of a missionary community?	The age of an abuser is not specified in the policy.
Who investigated the allegation?	Use the same procedures for all investigations.
Is it reported to any outside agency?
If so, to what agency or agencies?
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?
If yes, who is contacted?
If the allegation of abuse is substantiated, who is informed?
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?	This is not specified in the policy but would be addressed according to the exact nature of the incident. This would also determine the type and extent of therapy. The counselor, the medical adviser, school and boarding home leaders would be involved.
Is psychological therapy made available to the juvenile perpetrator?	Yes, see answer above.
Is psychological therapy made available to the child who was abused?	Yes.
Are the parents of the perpetrator and the child who was abused counseled?	Yes. Children that have been abused and their parents would be offered counseling/therapy as needed. Note that OMF does not have its own counselors but medical advisers would work with the leadership involved to find appropriate counseling.
If so, are family members free to see therapists of their own choosing?	Our agency is committed to provide appropriate support to any victims of abuse and their families. We have a network of counsellors and therapists outside the agency that we would use and would encourage choice by victims and their families of their service providers.
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?	When an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid) makes allegations against a missionary caretaker, the principle of our policy would be followed.
Who conducts the investigation? (Please speak to the affiliation, credentials, training and manner of the investigation.)	Because of the complex and varied nature of these incidents we have developed a principle-based policy rather than an exhaustive incident-based policy. In mounting an investigation, we make it clear that members of our agency will not assume responsibility beyond their level of experience and expertise.
Who will be contacted and interviewed?	All those who lived under the care of an alleged abuser or in proximity to him or her would be contacted and interviewed.
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. All those who lived under the care of an alleged abuser or in proximity to him or her would be contacted and interviewed.
When an allegation of abuse is found to have validity, what is the process for investigating the allegation?	Our agency will not assume responsibility beyond their level of experience and expertise. We also state that we will network and consult with appropriate agencies including legal authorities where necessary.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	If the abuser is dismissed, the entities to be informed are not specifically stated in the policy. However, in the US we would need to inform supporting churches. We also would work with the state government authorities to determine who should be informed in the particular state of origin of the abuser.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Reporting to outside agencies will be carried out, depending on the situation can the legal requirements of both the country where the abuser is working and the country where he/she comes from.
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?
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?	Due to the nature of the offence and the behavior of some abusers it is not possible for our agency to always ensure that employment cannot be gained by abusers in agencies or institutions beyond our control once they leave our agency. We are committed to thoroughly screen all those who will be working with children before they join us to avoid employing known abusers.
What steps are taken to help the victim heal?	Our agency is committed to provide appropriate support to any victims of abuse and their families.
Is psychological therapy available to the abuse victim?	Yes.
If so, is the therapist of the victim’s choosing?	Yes, we have a network of counselors and therapists outside the agency that we would use and would encourage choice by victims and their families of their service provider. Financial support, putting victims and families in touch with support groups would be offered also.
What support services will be made available to the parents and siblings of the abused survivor?	See above response.

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