RFM Child Protection Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to protect children and vulnerable persons involved in RFM activities from all forms of abuse, harm, and exploitation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all leaders, volunteers, staff, and anyone representing RFM in any capacity involving children or vulnerable persons.

3. Definition of a Child

A child is any person under the age of 18 years.

4. Safeguarding Principles

The safety and well-being of children are paramount. All adults involved in RFM activities have a duty to protect children from harm.

5. Zero Tolerance

RFM has zero tolerance for any form of child abuse. All allegations shall be taken seriously and investigated.

6. Child Abuse

Child abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, grooming, and exploitation. All forms are prohibited.

7. Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes hitting, shaking, burning, or any action that causes physical harm to a child.

8. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any sexual activity involving a child, including grooming, inappropriate touching, and sexual communication.

9. Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse includes persistent criticism, rejection, humiliation, or any behavior that damages a child's emotional development.

10. Neglect

Neglect includes failure to provide adequate food, shelter, supervision, medical care, or emotional support.

11. Grooming

Grooming — building trust with a child or their family for the purpose of sexual abuse or exploitation — is strictly prohibited and is a serious violation.

12. Exploitation

Exploitation of children in any form, including labor, sexual, or commercial exploitation, is prohibited.

13. Online Safety

Children's online safety must be protected. Leaders and volunteers must not engage in private digital communication with children without parental knowledge and appropriate safeguards.

14. Appropriate Communication

Communication with children must be appropriate, respectful, and transparent. Inappropriate, suggestive, or secretive communication is prohibited.

15. Physical Contact

Physical contact with children must be appropriate and minimal. Leaders should avoid any contact that could be misinterpreted.

16. One-to-One Situations

Adults should avoid being alone with a child in isolated situations. Where one-to-one interaction is necessary, it should occur in visible, accessible locations.

17. Children's Programs

All children's programs must have adequate supervision, with at least two adults present at all times.

18. Volunteer Screening

All volunteers working with children must be screened, including character references and background checks where possible.

19. Reporting Concerns

Any concern about a child's safety must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding officer or ministry leadership. Do not investigate independently.

20. Responding to Allegations

All allegations shall be taken seriously, documented, and acted upon promptly. Do not allow serious safeguarding concerns to be hidden merely because they involve a ministry leader, volunteer, or respected member. The safety of children comes first.

21. Confidentiality

Information related to safeguarding concerns shall be shared only with those who need to know, and handled with strict confidentiality.

22. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns, reports, and actions shall be documented and stored securely.

23. Emergency Situations

In emergencies, the immediate safety of the child is the first priority. Contact appropriate authorities and emergency services as needed.

24. Cooperation with Appropriate Authorities

Where Nigerian law applies, RFM shall comply with applicable legal requirements and cooperate fully with appropriate authorities in all safeguarding matters.

25. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as needed to ensure the ongoing protection of children.