EPIC fosters an environment where the safety and wellbeing of all individuals is at the centre of our thoughts and actions and is engrained in organisational values. We are committed to child safety and place great importance on the interests of children and young people (i.e., people under the age of 18 years). This includes:
- identifying and mitigating risks to children and young people
- following EPIC’s rigorous recruitment process, including police checks and working with children checks, to minimise risk to children and young people
- providing ongoing education to staff on the needs of children and young people; and
- investigating and reporting incidents in compliance with all relevant legislation.
Child Safety Framework
EPIC Assist’s Child Safety Framework ensures the safety of children and young people the organisation is associated with. The framework is based on the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.
The Child Safety Framework and associated documents apply to all services, projects and support provided across EPIC’s footprint, and is relevant to all full-time, part time and casual employees, volunteers, and contractors. It applies wherever services to children and young people are provided.
All employees, volunteers, contractors, and the Board of Directors need to be aware of, and adhere to, EPIC’s Child Safe practices. Failure to apply these practices may result in disciplinary action, dismissal and/or legal proceedings.
National Principles for Child Safe Organisations
Principle 1: Child safety and wellbeing is embedded in organisational leadership, governance and culture.
Principle 2: Children and young people are informed about their rights, participate in decisions affecting them and are taken seriously.
Principle 3: Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing.
Principle 4: Equity is upheld and diverse needs respected in policy and practice.
Principle 5: People working with children and young people are suitable and supported to reflect child safety and wellbeing values in practice.
Principle 6: Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused.
Principle 7: Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.
Principle 8: Physical and online environments promote safety and wellbeing while minimising the opportunity for children and young people to be harmed.
Principle 9: Implementation of the national child safe principles is regularly reviewed and improved.
Principle 10: Policies and procedures document how the organisation is safe for children and young people.
