Section 2 - Recruitment and selection

Application process

During the application process a whole range of issues should be discussed, including;

• Ages of the children – moving with teenagers raises particular concerns
• Suitability of the educational options available in the proposed location of service
• Special educational needs and the realistic possibilities for help and support overseas
• Children’s feelings about the move
• The long-term aspirations of the parents and children andthe compatibility of these with any potential move overseas

Interview and appointment

The application, interview and appointment process should reflect the fact that the agency and church believe that in the case of a family, the whole family is called and not just the parents or just one spouse/partner

• Overseas assignments place considerable extra strain on families. Any concerns regarding parenting and family life should be seriously considered
• School-age children should be given an opportunity to express their feelings in an informal setting, with an experienced person. Ideally, they should be seen separately from their parents for part of the time. Any special educational needs should be explored, possibly with input from their school teachers
• One spouse appointments: In situations where one spouse is applying to the organisation, implications for the partner and children should be considered in the light of the organisation’s duty of care towards the family
• Particular needs relating to one parent families should be considered
• Available educational options (including funding) should be discussed in order to identify the best possible solutions for the children