Idea Department Child Protection Policy

1. Introduction

The Idea Department is a creative operations network that works across diverse geographies, communities, and formats. While not primarily a child-focused organization, our projects, partners, and communications may involve direct or indirect contact with children. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring all children are safe from harm across all our activities, services, and relationships.

2. Policy Statement

We believe that:

All children have equal rights to protection from harm, regardless of gender, race, ability, language, religion, or socioeconomic status.
Everyone associated with Idea Department has a responsibility to safeguard children.
Harm to children can occur directly or indirectly through poor planning, irresponsible conduct, or abuse of power.

We are committed to:

Creating safe environments in all our programs and partner relationships.
Responding effectively to any concerns, allegations or incidents of child abuse.
Promoting child protection in all areas of our work, from creative production to field activities.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, consultants, board members, interns, volunteers and associates. It also extends to our partners across focal projects: Logiq Media, Raseef22, ELKA Lebanon, A.ttitude and Idea Party.

4. Safeguarding Standards

Standard 1: Policy

Our CPP is endorsed by the Board of Directors and is reviewed every three years.
A child-friendly summary is available in multiple languages.
All new and current staff are required to read, understand, and sign the CPP.
The policy is embedded in all project cycles, service contracts, and partner agreements.

Standard 2: People

• Safe Recruitment

  • Job descriptions for all roles include child safeguarding responsibilities.

    • Pre-employment vetting includes:

      • Identity and reference checks.

      • Criminal record checks where legally permissible.

      • Interviews assess attitudes and behavior around child protection.

• Code of Conduct

  All personnel must adhere to a clear code of conduct.
  The Code outlines acceptable and unacceptable behavior toward children, both in-person and online.

• Training & Awareness

  Induction training includes mandatory safeguarding orientation.
  Annual refresher trainings are held.
  Staff with direct responsibility for safeguarding receive additional support and professional development.

• Designated Safeguarding Leads

  At least one designated safeguarding officer (DSO) is appointed per country of operation.
  All staff know how to contact their local DSO.

5. Procedures

Risk Assessments

Every program or event undergoes a child safeguarding risk assessment.
These assessments are documented and reviewed regularly.

Reporting and Response

Any concern or allegation must be reported to the DSO within 24 hours.
If the concern involves criminal conduct, it will be reported to relevant authorities.
Confidentiality and child welfare are prioritized throughout.
Anonymous reporting channels and community reporting mechanisms (e.g. safe boxes, trusted persons) are established where feasible.

Communications & Media Use

Children’s images or stories are only used with documented informed consent.
No identifying information is shared without parental/guardian approval.
Geotagging is disabled on devices capturing child-related media.

6. Accountability

Monitoring

Internal audits of safeguarding practices are conducted annually.
Results are reported to the Board and included in the annual impact report.

Learning and Improvement

All reported cases are reviewed for systemic improvements.
Lessons are integrated into future risk planning and training modules.

External Validation

We seek alignment with external safeguarding standards (e.g. Keeping Children Safe certification) and include safeguarding reviews in major partnership audits.

7. Responsibilities

Executive Leadership: Endorse, fund, and enforce the CPP

Designated Safeguarding Officer: Lead response and support systems

HR and Program Managers: Ensure vetting, induction, and monitoring

All Staff: Uphold policy, report concerns, complete training

8. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed every 3 years or upon major operational or legal changes. The next review is scheduled for Mid 2027.