DMK SafetyNet Questionnaire for Mission Boards regarding Allegations of Abuse ~ Response World Wide Evangelization for Christ (WEC)

	Ref: WEC International USA Child Protection Policy Dated 2/03 Please contact WEC directly for more information, at mobilization@wec-usa.org
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 It is in our general policy for dealing with abuse in any situation.
If you have a written policy, would you provide us with a copy of that policy?	The full written policy is in process and the current policy is attached.
How does your organization define abuse?	A general term to describe : inappropriate, immoral, unethical or threatening behavior by an adult toward a minor under 18 years of age, or of one child toward another child when there is a difference in power, based on age or physical, intellectual or emotional capacity. Child abuse is recognized under four categories: sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
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?	Our policy is disseminated not to the board only, but ROH staff as well. This is done through training and through regional offices.
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?
Who investigated the allegation?	It will be dealt with by the leadership and in accord with the laws of the land where it occurred.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	No.
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Unless the law requires it and is necessary for the protection of others.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?	Yes.
If so, to whom?	As deemed necessary. Each case will be considered individually.
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	The authorities and parties who must know in order to properly deal with the situation.
If the perpetrator is dismissed, who is informed?	Sending church and civil authorities if necessary.
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 Ministries Department personnel - Counselor/therapist.
What happens when it is alleged or suspected that an older child abused a younger child who is currently part of a missionary community?
Who investigated the allegation?	Leadership of field or sending base.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	No..
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Unless required by law or deemed necessary for protection to others.
If the allegation is substantiated, is the investigation broadened?
If yes, who is contacted?	Only as necessary.
If the allegation of abuse is substantiated, who is informed?	Parents of the abused and abuser.
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?	Leadership in connection with mental health professionals.
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, If they desire it.
If so, are family members free to see therapists of their own choosing?	Yes.
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?	Same as for general policy.
Who conducts the investigation? (Please speak to the affiliation, credentials, training and manner of the investigation.)	The current leadership with member care personnel, unless the investigation is turned over to civil authorities.
Who will be contacted and interviewed?	See next response.
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. If necessary.
When an allegation of abuse is found to have validity, what is the process for investigating the allegation?	Same as others - but other depending on: When it happened. Is the accused still related to ministry? Is the accused still living?
If the allegation is substantiated, who is informed?	Only those who must know the situation in order to faithfully and effectively deal with it.
Is it reported to any outside agency?	No.
If so, to what agency or agencies?	Unless necessary.
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 current leadership or assigned Member Care person.
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?	The current leadership or assigned Member Care person.
What steps are taken to help the victim heal?	Same as for previous situation. Member Care is available here with professional counseling/therapy and former MKs are welcome.
Is psychological therapy available to the abuse victim?	Yes. Through our Member Care Department
If so, is the therapist of the victim’s choosing?	Yes. From among our staff possibilities.
What support services will be made available to the parents and siblings of the abused survivor?	As much as required through our Member Care Department.

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