Section 10 - Children

It is good practice for sending organisations and supporting churches to ensure that the needs of children are addressed at all times. It is vital to recognise the importance of families and our responsibility as Christians in safeguarding and supporting families and children.

Good practice includes:

10.1 Specific TCK guidelines

• Developing policies and procedures based on the guidelines for Developing Policies and Procedures for Families and Children Serving Overseas produced by Global Connections [i]
• Adopting the values contained in those guidelines specifically
  • The welfare and education of children are paramount from the outset of any enquiry for mission
  • Appropriate preparation for children covering cross-cultural experience is essential
  • Appropriate support for children and families in their host culture is essential
  • Appropriate preparation and support during re-entry to the passport culture is part of the organisation’s duty of care
• Encouraging parents to seek the views of their children
• Following all the good practice guidance relating to children and families as contained throughout this document
• Integrating all policies and procedures for children and families into overall policies and procedures

10.2 Resources and training

• Ensuring that the sending organisation, supporting church and personnel are adequately resourced in the area of children living overseas [ii]
• Providing training for families on TCK issues [iii]
• Providing opportunities for TCKs to meet other TCKs [iv]

More detailed information about resources for children of mission personnel are listed in the resources section of Developing Policies and Procedures for Families and Children Serving Overseas [v]

[i] See www.globalconnections.co.uk/tckguide

[ii] Some useful books include Families on the Moveby M Knell, Burn up or Splash Downby M Knell and Third Culture Kids by D Pollock and R Van Reken

[iii] Mission training colleges may include such training as part of some courses. Marion Knell provides briefings in the UK for families going overseas mariondk@uk2.net. Training days for families are also available from Redcliffe College www.redcliffe.org

[iv] For information on TCK camps and other opportunities s www.globalconnections.co.uk/tck, www.oscar.org.uk/service/children/events.htm and www.xenosmk.org.uk

[v]Other websites include www.oscar.org.uk/service/children, www.xenosmk.org, www.tcklife.com and www.eurotck.net