Child Safeguarding Policy

1. Our commitment

The Lovers Mind! Project exists to serve children. We will not tolerate abuse or neglect of any kind, and we take every concern seriously. This policy applies to our staff, volunteers, partners and everyone who takes part in TLMP events and programmes, in line with the Child's Rights Act 2003 and relevant state laws in Nigeria.

2. Safe people

• Staff and volunteers who work with children are interviewed, give references and are known to a partner church or school.
• Everyone working with children receives safeguarding training before an event and agrees to our code of conduct.
• Adults are never left alone with a child out of sight of others; we follow the “two adults” rule.

3. Safe events

• Children are signed in and out, and released only to their parent, guardian or authorised group leader.
• We keep appropriate adult-to-child ratios, with extra supervision for under-fives.
• Venues are risk-assessed, with first aid, clear exits and a lost-child procedure.
• Group leaders bringing children remain responsible for them throughout the event.

4. Photos and videos

• We ask parents and guardians for consent before publishing images of their children.
• Children whose families opt out are identified discreetly (for example with a coloured wristband) and are not photographed for publication.
• We never publish a child's full name, school or address alongside their image.
• Any parent or guardian can ask for an image to be removed from our site or channels by contacting hello@theloversmindprojects.online. We act promptly.

5. Online safety

• Our website is for adults. Children may not create profiles or post content.
• Staff and volunteers do not contact children privately by phone, messaging apps or social media.
• All public submissions and comments are reviewed before publication, under our community guidelines.

6. Reporting a concern

If a child is in immediate danger, call 112 (Nigeria's emergency number) or contact the police.

For any other concern about a child's safety, or about the behaviour of anyone connected with TLMP, contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead at hello@theloversmindprojects.online (subject: “Safeguarding”) or +234 806 218 0390. Concerns are handled confidentially and shared only with those who need to know, including the relevant authorities.

Anyone who raises a concern in good faith will be supported, even if it turns out to be unfounded.

7. Review

This policy is reviewed every year, and after any serious incident, by TLMP leadership.