Little Steps Big Dreams (LSBD) (“LSBD,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of children involved in our programs, outreach activities, and media content. This policy establishes standards, procedures, and responsibilities for safeguarding children and obtaining proper consent for any photography, video, or media use.

1. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all LSBD staff, volunteers, contractors, partners, and any individuals involved in LSBD programs, events, outreach activities, or media creation where children under 18 are present. It governs interactions, data collection, media capture, and dissemination involving children.

2. Child Safeguarding Principles

LSBD is committed to:

• Prioritizing the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child,

• Ensuring all activities are age-appropriate and safe,

• Preventing abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harassment,

• Encouraging children to express concerns and providing safe reporting channels,

• Ensuring all staff and volunteers understand and uphold safeguarding responsibilities.
  
  
  

3. Recruitment and Training

All LSBD staff, volunteers, and contractors interacting with children are:

• Vetted through reference checks and background screening,

• Trained in child safeguarding principles, reporting procedures, and professional conduct,

• Required to sign a code of conduct agreeing to uphold this policy at all times.
  
  
  

4. Data Collection and Privacy

• LSBD only collects the minimum personal data necessary to support children’s participation in programs,

• Personal identifiers such as full addresses, government ID numbers, or sensitive health data are never collected without explicit, informed parental or guardian consent,

• Participation data is securely stored and accessed only by authorized personnel,

• Data retention follows LSBD’s GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy.
  
  
  

5. Media Consent

Photography, video, or other media may be used for reporting, promotional materials, social media, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.

• Children’s identities are protected wherever possible, names and identifying details are not published without explicit consent,

• Complaints can be made at any time; media already published will be removed wherever feasible.
  
  
  

6. Safe Interaction Guidelines

LSBD staff and volunteers must:

• Avoid being alone with a child in a private setting without prior authorization,

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times, using age-appropriate and acceptable physical contact (handshake, high-five),

• Report any suspected or actual child abuse immediately to LSBD management,

• Act in a manner that promotes trust, respect, and protection for every child.

7. Reporting and Complaints

• Any concerns about child safety must be reported immediately to LSBD management via email or phone,

• Reports are handled confidentially, documented, and addressed following safeguarding procedures,

• LSBD cooperates with relevant authorities in investigations as required by law.

8. Third-Party Partners

• Partners, contractors, or organizations collaborating with LSBD must comply with LSBD’s child safeguarding standards,

• Media content involving children generated by third parties requires LSBD approval and documented consent,

• Third parties are held accountable to the same standards and legal obligations as LSBD staff.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed at least annually or as needed to ensure compliance with legal requirements, best practices, and program developments. Updates will be communicated to all staff, volunteers, and partners.

10. Contact Information

For questions or concerns:
Email: thelittlestepsbigdreamsteam@gmail.com
Phone: +2349035637518
Address: Ile-Ife, Osun State. Nigeria

By participating in LSBD programs or agreeing to media use, parents, guardians, staff, and volunteers acknowledge that they have read and understood this Child Safeguarding & Media Consent Policy.