DMK SafetyNet Questionnaire for Mission Boards regarding Allegations of Abuse ~ Response by Christian & Missionary Alliance

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 Policy On Child Abuse
How does your organization define abuse?	Please see Section A of the Child Abuse Protection and Response Procedures policy (Abuse Policy).
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?	Missionaries receive it in their International Ministries Handbook. Schools are provided both directly and through the Advocacy Network for Missionary Children.
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?	See Policy On Child Abuse
Who investigated the allegation?	See Policy On Child Abuse for a school situation; otherwise see the IM Disciplinary Procedures and Appeals policy (Discipline Policy)
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Where U.S. or local country laws and regulations may require such reporting.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes.
If so, to whom?	The parents of children who have been under the care of the perpetrator.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	See Policy On Child Abuse and the Discipline Policy.
If the perpetrator is dismissed, who is informed?	See the Discipline 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.)	This is covered by the C&MA through its Sensitive Issues Consultative Group (SICG) and their Therapy Guidelines.
What happens when it is alleged or suspected that an older child abused a younger child who is currently part of a missionary community?	See Policy On Child Abuse
Who investigated the allegation?	See Policy On Child Abuse
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Same as adult response.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes
If yes, who is contacted?	The parents of younger children (four years difference in age) that the perpetrator has had access to.
If the allegation of abuse is substantiated, who is informed?	See Policy On Child Abuse
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 will be determined by IM, SICG, the school, and the parents with input from the child’s therapist.
Is psychological therapy made available to the juvenile perpetrator?	Yes. In accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines.
Is psychological therapy made available to the child who was abused?	Yes. In accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines.
Are the parents of the perpetrator and the child who was abused counseled?	Yes. In accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines.
If so, are family members free to see therapists of their own choosing?	Yes. In accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines.
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?	See the Discipline Policy if active missionary. If not an active missionary but still a U.S. worker or church member see C&MA Uniform Policy on Discipline, Restoration, and Appeal. If none of the above, the C&MA Sensitive Issues Consultative Group may be asked to manage the process in conjunction with International Ministries.
Who conducts the investigation? (Please speak to the affiliation, credentials, training and manner of the investigation.)	Will depend on the applicable policy mentioned above.
Who will be contacted and interviewed?	Those identified by the charging party and the accused along with others identified by the investigation team during the process.
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
When an allegation of abuse is found to have validity, what is the process for investigating the allegation?	See above policies.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	See above policies.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?	As required by state and federal law.
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?	If a C&MA related entity then through appropriate C&MA channels. If not C&MA related then the entity is responsible to properly screen their employees. We will inform them if asked as part of the job reference process. We also expect that proper reporting to U.S. authorities will help. The legal issues are significant and complicated when dealing with an unrelated entity.
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?	If C&MA related, the proper licensing bodies maintain information as it relates to official workers. We expect that proper reporting to U.S. authorities will also help.
What steps are taken to help the victim heal?	The knowledge of appropriate discipline of the perpetrator, as possible. Sincere apologies from C&MA and perpetrator, when obtainable. Availability of therapy in accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines. Recommendation of positive support groups where available.
Is psychological therapy available to the abuse victim?	Yes. In accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines.
If so, is the therapist of the victim’s choosing?	With proper review and approval of the C&MA in accordance with the SICG’s Therapy Guidelines.
What support services will be made available to the parents and siblings of the abused survivor?	Same as above.
*Also see Advocacy Network.

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