Safeguarding
MAF Canada’s Safeguarding Policy.
At MAF Canada, we believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and care. We are deeply committed to safeguarding the welfare of all children, youth, and vulnerable people who come into contact with our organization and its people.
As an organization, we are committed to:
- Valuing and protecting all children and vulnerable people, ensuring their safety and well-being in every context where they interact with MAF Canada.
- Selecting, training, and supporting all missionary carefully, ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities in safeguarding and acts appropriately according to their role.
- Maintaining clear safeguarding policies and procedures, reviewing them annually, and continuously improving our practices.
- Fulfilling all legal obligations related to reporting suspicions or allegations of abuse and cooperating fully with any investigations.
MAF Canada has a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying, abuse, and exploitation. No staff member shall ever employ children in any form of child labour—work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally harmful, or that interferes with their education.
All MAF Canada staff are expected to uphold this policy wherever they serve—whether in Canada or abroad, and whether assigned directly to MAF Canada or seconded through another organization.
Staff are also responsible for sharing this commitment with their family members and visitors, ensuring that everyone connected to MAF Canada contributes to a culture of safety, care, and respect.
Raising a Concern
If you are made aware of, are concerned about, or suspect a safeguarding incident, please report the matter immediately by either calling our safe-call hotline at 1-877-416-4222 or by sending a private email to safeguarding@maf.ca including the following:
- Your name and contact information (If you wish to remain anonymous you can send in the concern from an anonymous account. If you choose to do so, please realize this may restrict our ability to fully investigate your concern. If anonymity is necessary, please ensure that enough details are included to allow for an effective review)
- Details such as names of those involved, approximate dates, locations, and any other relevant information
- How you became aware of the situation
- Who else is aware of the situation
- What actions, if any, have already been taken
- Any supporting documentation including email, pictures, screenshots, or other relevant documents
Retaliation
MAF Canada strictly prohibits retaliation against any staff member who raises a concern, participates in a resolution process, or exercises their rights under the Canada Labour Code. Any form of reprisal will be treated as a serious breach of conduct.
Quick Notes.
It should be common sense, but if you need a refresher, here are seven quick tips for adults and kids alike.
DO YOU REALLY NEED TO BE HERE?
Think before entering areas where children's activities take placeTo keep children safe, only those authorized to be in areas where their activities take place should be there. If you don’t have a good reason you may be asked to leave.
GROWN UPS SHOULDN'T ASK YOU TO KEEP SECRETS
If you feel scared or upset, tell someoneNone of the grown-ups who work here will ask you to keep secrets. If you feel worried or upset tell another grown-up or someone you trust.
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE RULES
We're all equally accountable for our behaviourWhatever your role, whether you’re a leader or just visiting, we are all equally accountable for our own behaviour. If you’re concerned, tell someone.
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY
Creating places that are safer for everyone is all of our responsibility, not just for leaders or those in charge. If something doesn’t seem right, report it.
NEED TO TALK?
We have people who will listen and believe youIf you have concerns, are worried or frightened, or just want someone to talk to, we have people will listen and believe what you have to say.
IF SOMETHING DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT, IT PROBABLY ISN'T
Report itWe want to be open and transparent. If you feel uncomfortable about something you’ve seen or heard tell someone. It might be nothing, but it could also be something important.
WE'RE COMMITTED TO CREATING SAFER PLACES FOR ALL
That includes youWe take our responsibility to protect vulnerable people from abuse seriously. We do this by having clear safeguarding policies, practices, and procedures in place.
