Section 3 - Preparation, orientation and training

Core Value 2: Appropriate preparation for children covering cross-cultural experience is an essential part of an organisation’s duty of care.

Preparing couples and children prior to a move overseas

Children should receive age-appropriate information about the new culture and customs
Children should be offered help in preparing for this major transition
Parents should be encouraged to read relevant literature relating to TCKs for their own understanding and in order to help and support their children
Training in parenting skills in a cross-cultural context should be provided
A plan of support should be agreed where concerns have been identified
Discussions should be held with supporting church(es), friends and extended family members regarding appropriate support for the children while overseas
Specific consideration should be given to children not accompanying their parent(s) on the assignment
Provision for family housing should be discussed
A plan for children’s education should be drawn up

Arrival overseas

Meeting families on arrival should be carefully planned
Children should be part of the induction process, including an understanding of their parent’s roles
Children should be provided with appropriate time and facilities for language acquisition