Commission for the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults

The Commission for the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults was established as a proactive response to the growing global concern about abuse within the Church and society at large. It reflects the Archdiocese of Jos's commitment to the protection and dignity of every human person, especially minors and vulnerable adults who are most at risk of exploitation, neglect, and abuse.

Mandate and Objectives

The primary mandate of the Commission is to foster a safe and supportive environment for all, particularly within Catholic parishes, schools, institutions, and communities. Its key objectives include:

• Creating widespread awareness about the rights and dignity of minors and vulnerable adults.
• Sensitizing the clergy, religious, and lay faithful on identifying, preventing, and responding to abuse.
• Ensuring that all Church-related environments are spaces of trust, protection, and respect.
• Providing structures for reporting, investigation, and appropriate handling of abuse allegations.
• Promoting healing, justice, and reconciliation for survivors of abuse.

Structure and Membership

The Commission is composed of trained professionals and pastoral agents, including priests, religious, laypersons, legal practitioners, psychologists, educators, and child protection advocates. Members are carefully selected based on their expertise, experience, and commitment to safeguarding. They receive ongoing training to ensure they remain informed on best practices and Church policies regarding protection and justice.

Vision and Commitment

The Commission envisions a Church where every person—especially the most vulnerable—is respected, protected, and able to thrive in a safe environment. It draws inspiration from Christ’s command to “let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14) and from the Church’s call to be a place of sanctuary, healing, and justice.

By fostering a culture of accountability, vigilance, and compassion, the Commission plays a vital role in restoring trust and integrity in the life of the Church in the Archdiocese of Jos.

The Commission is aimed at creating awareness/sensitization on Safegaurding of Minors and vulnerabl Adults on the menace of abuse to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese. They give talks and workshops in parishese and Catholic institutions in the Archdiocese of Jos where selected sections of members hear the cases of abuse of minors and the vulnerable whenever it is reported. 

Activities and Engagement

The Commission carries out its mission through a series of well-structured activities across the Archdiocese. These include:

• Awareness Campaigns: Through regular sensitization programs, the Commission educates members of the Church community about the different forms of abuse, how to recognize signs of abuse, and the importance of early intervention.
• Workshops and Seminars: Organized at the parish and institutional levels, these workshops engage clergy, catechists, youth leaders, teachers, and parents in dialogue on safeguarding practices. Topics often include child rights, ethical pastoral conduct, boundaries in ministry, and protocols for reporting abuse.
• Reporting and Case Handling: The Commission serves as the official body to which reports of abuse can be confidentially submitted. When allegations are made, a trained team conducts a preliminary assessment and refers the matter to the appropriate ecclesiastical or civil authorities, ensuring transparency and due process. Survivors are treated with dignity, compassion, and pastoral care.
• Policy Implementation and Oversight: The Commission collaborates with parishes and institutions to implement safeguarding policies and protocols. This includes vetting processes for Church workers, creating child-safe policies, and establishing safeguarding focal persons in each deanery.
• Pastoral Care and Support: Recognizing the spiritual and emotional toll of abuse, the Commission also provides support services such as counseling, spiritual direction, and referrals to relevant healthcare or legal services. Survivors are accompanied with respect and discretion throughout their healing journey.