1. Our Commitment

Hillcross Ministry works directly with children, teenagers, and families through our Theological Education Unit (Hillcross Online School), Teens & Adolescence Unit, AIDS Awareness & Care Unit school seminars, and Family Counseling Unit. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where children, young people, and vulnerable adults are safe from harm, abuse, and exploitation — consistent with our biblical conviction that every person is made in the image of God and worthy of protection and dignity.

This policy applies to all Hillcross Ministry staff, Unit Managers, volunteers, and anyone representing the Ministry in schools, churches, counseling sessions, or other program settings.

2. Our Principles

• The welfare of the child or vulnerable person is always our first consideration.
• Every child and vulnerable adult has the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity, or background.
• All concerns and disclosures are taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility — not just that of designated staff.

3. Our Practices

To uphold this commitment, Hillcross Ministry requires that:

• Staff and volunteers working directly with children or young people (including in the Theological Education, Teens & Adolescence, and AIDS Awareness & Care Units) are known to Ministry leadership and formally approved by a Unit Manager or the Director before beginning that work.
• Wherever possible, activities involving children or young people are conducted with more than one adult present, avoiding one-on-one situations in private settings.
• School and institution seminars are conducted only with the prior knowledge and permission of the host school or institution, and in coordination with school staff.
• Any staff member, volunteer, or leader who becomes aware of a safeguarding concern, disclosure, or incident must report it promptly to the Director or a designated Safeguarding Officer.
• All safeguarding reports are handled confidentially, with the safety of the affected person as the first priority, and referred to appropriate local authorities where required by law.
• Photos or stories involving children are only published on this website or in Ministry materials with the permission of a parent or guardian.

4. Reporting a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern involving Hillcross Ministry — whether about a staff member, volunteer, or anyone else — please contact us directly and confidentially at contact@hillcrossministries.com or +234 802 792 1636. All concerns will be treated seriously and confidentially.

5. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed periodically by Ministry leadership to ensure it remains effective and consistent with good practice.

Adopted: August 2026. Policy owner: Rev. Prof. Daniel Elendu Sopuru, PhD, Director.