Purpose
Teen Missions Australia is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and spiritually nurturing environment for all participants. This policy exists to ensure that young people who participate in our programs are emotionally and psychologically prepared for the unique challenges of life in a mission context, while also honouring the dignity, growth, and wellbeing of each individual.
Our heart is not exclusion, but care, safety, and long-term flourishing—for the participant, their family, and international mission partners.
Nature of Mission Participation
Teen Missions Australia programs often involve:
- High physical and emotional demands
- Extended time away from family and familiar support systems
- Cross-cultural adjustment
- Team living, limited privacy, and conflict resolution
- Restricted access to professional mental health services in some locations
Because of this, participants must demonstrate a level of emotional resilience and stability appropriate to these environments.
Mental Health Disclosure
All applicants are required to honestly disclose any current or past mental health concerns during the application process and within the Health Status Form included in the registration packet. Disclosure is required for (but not limited to):
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Self-harm behaviours
- Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts
- Eating disorders
- Trauma-related conditions
- Psychiatric hospitalization
All information is treated with confidentiality and respect, and is reviewed only by authorized leadership.
Non-disclosure of significant mental health history may result in withdrawal from the program if discovered later, as accurate information is essential for participant safety.
Suicidal Ideation and Self-Harm History
Because of the serious nature of these concerns, Teen Missions Australia applies the following participation guidelines:
A participant must demonstrate:
- A minimum of 12 months free from suicidal thoughts, plans, attempts, or self-harm behaviours
- No mental health–related hospitalizations or crisis interventions within the past 12 months
- Evidence of sustained emotional stability and healthy coping strategies under stress
In most cases, written clearance or recommendation from a qualified mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, GP, or licensed counsellor) will be required.
Each situation is prayerfully and individually assessed; however, recent or unresolved suicidal risk will result in deferral for the safety of the participant and the team.
Current Mental Health Support
Participants with a history of mental health challenges may still be considered if they can demonstrate:
- Ongoing, appropriate support (counselling, mentoring, pastoral care, etc.)
- Insight into their mental health and personal warning signs
- Willingness and ability to seek help when needed
- Stable functioning in school, church, family, and peer settings
Medication use must be disclosed, along with confirmation that the participant can independently and responsibly manage it in conjunction with team leaders throughout program participation.
Assessment and Decision Process
Applications involving mental health considerations are reviewed by designated leadership with care and discretion. Decisions are based on:
- Length and consistency of stability
- Professional recommendations
- Observed coping skills and maturity
- The specific demands of the mission location and program
Teen Missions Australia reserves the right to approve, defer, or decline participation based on readiness—not worth, calling, or spiritual maturity.
A decision to defer should be understood as an act of care, not rejection.
During the Program
Teen Missions Australia is not a mental health treatment provider. While leaders offer pastoral care, encouragement, and prayer:
- Participants must be able to manage their mental health responsibly
- Leaders may intervene or arrange early return home if safety concerns arise
- Parents/guardians may be contacted if significant concerns develop
Participant safety will always take priority.
Encouragement and Path Forward
We deeply believe in God’s redemptive work and in the growth journey of young people. If participation is deferred, we are committed—where possible—to:
- Encouraging continued healing and growth
- Supporting future applications when readiness is established
- Affirming that God’s calling is not limited by timing