DMK SafetyNet Questionnaire for Mission Boards regarding Allegations of Abuse ~ Response Mission Aviation Fellowship

	Presently MAF-US is working on a complete Child Abuse Manual. Most of these responses are based on our existing Zero Tolerance Child Sexual Abuse Policy. Further inquires can be sent to Director of Personnel at gjordan@maf.org and Director of Member Care.
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, at present we have a Zero Tolerance of Child Sexual Abuse Policy only. We will complete our entire Child Safety Manual shortly.
If you have a written policy, would you provide us with a copy of that policy?	Yes Complete Child Abuse Manual is forthcoming. Present Child Sexual Abuse policy to be mailed.
How does your organization define abuse?	See present Child Sexual 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. All missionaries serving under our board receive and acknowledge receipt of this document.
If so, how is it disseminated?	It was and will be disseminated to everyone around the world. Newly accepted candidates receive it and sign that they have received it. It is published on our Intranet open to all members.
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?	An internal investigation is launched.
Who investigated the allegation?	Investigation team (Personnel and Member Care, plus resource)
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes.
If so, to what agency or agencies?	It will be reported to the appropriate authorities as stated in the policy.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes.
If so, to whom?	It will be broadened to family and any possible individuals who may have been victims in any part of the world.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	Organizational leadership will be informed and appropriate action will take place to inform the larger body of the mission as well as mission constituency.
If the perpetrator is dismissed, who is informed?	All of those involved to include: offender, the victim and the victim’s family, sending churches, organizational membership.
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.)	The mission will take all necessary steps to get help for the victim or any victim as well as those affected by awareness of such abuse.
What happens when it is alleged or suspected that an older child abused a younger child who is currently part of a missionary community?	Same as above.
Who investigated the allegation?	The investigation team.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes
If yes, who is contacted?
If the allegation of abuse is substantiated, who is informed?	MAF adheres to a strict “need to know” policy. The victim’s parents/school administrator/field managers are among those who should know.
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?	A professional counselor in conjunction with the personnel and member care departments.
Is psychological therapy made available to the juvenile perpetrator?	Yes.
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. Counseling is offered/facilitated.
If so, are family members free to see therapists of their own choosing?	Yes. As long as the specialist is appropriately educated and trained.
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?	Investigation is launched.
Who conducts the investigation? (Please speak to the affiliation, credentials, training and manner of the investigation.)	A committee is to be made up of those who have been trained and bring experience and expertise as required by the particular offense, and will include participation by MAF Member Care and Personnel departments.
Who will be contacted and interviewed?	All individuals that are found to be relevant as well as those individuals indicated by the finding of the committee.
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?	Follow steps outlined in MAF Abuse manual.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	Need to know basis, field manager, family, school administration.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	Yes
If so, to what agency or agencies?
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?	Director of Personnel.
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?	To the best of his/her ability, Director of Personnel, understanding that this is not perfectly containable.
What steps are taken to help the victim heal?	Use of a counselor understanding the elements of abuse, and experience in later-life counseling.
Is psychological therapy available to the abuse victim?	Yes.
If so, is the therapist of the victim’s choosing?	As long as the specialist is appropriately educated and trained. Approval by MAF Member Care.
What support services will be made available to the parents and siblings of the abused survivor?	Appropriate counseling as necessary.

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