An independent, third-party investigation on alleged historic child abuse at Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) recently concluded. It carefully reviewed allegations of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, child-on-child abuse, and leadership culpability from CAJ’s founding in 1950. Since learning of these allegations, WorldVenture leaders and its board of directors have actively participated with CAJ and three other mission agencies to complete the investigation and follow up with appropriate action.
The independent investigation confirmed that five WorldVenture missionary children were abused while at CAJ in the late-1950s to mid-1960s. The organization has expressed heartbreak and apologized for this horrific abuse. Together with the other three missions agencies and CAJ, WorldVenture will contribute to a fund for counseling to provide care and resources toward healing for abuse survivors.
In addition to updating its Child Safety Policy, WorldVenture is implementing regular, age-appropriate trainings for children to help them understand this policy and how to report concerns to their parents and/or other responsible adults. Additionally, every leader within the organization is completing mandatory annual training in this policy. WorldVenture is also implementing an annual, external audit of this policy, with reports presented to leaders and the board of directors.
For more information on the independent investigation, please visit https://teliosinvestigations.com/investigation/christian-academy-japan
