At Empowered Project, we are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our clients and their families. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles stated in the Privacy Act 1988, as well as satisfying the requirements of State legislation (South Australia).

Information Collection and Storage

We collect personal information from clients and their families for the purpose of providing support coordination services. This information may include, but is not limited to:

• Names and contact information, including home address

• Date of birth

• Medical and developmental history

• Contact details of therapists and other service providers

• Information stated in the NDIS plan

• Reports and information from other healthcare providers such as speech pathologists, support workers, occupational therapists, social workers, and teachers

• Information related to education and development

We may also collect sensitive information, including but not limited to:

• Languages spoken and religion

• Disability or health conditions

• Gender

• Race or ethnicity

This information may be collected through documentation, interviews, reports, assessments, and conversations with parents/caregivers and healthcare providers. Sensitive information will not be collected without your consent.

Use of Information

We use the collected information to:

• Assess and monitor development

• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements

• Provide support coordination services

• Invoice and bill clients accordingly

• Retain accurate records of therapy sessions, progress, and goals

• Plan and deliver individualized support programs

• Communicate with parents/guardians about progress

• Facilitate collaboration with teachers, educators, therapists, and other stakeholders

• Monitor the quality of our services and investigate complaints

Information Disclosure

We may disclose personal information to:

• Educators, therapists, support coordinators, plan managers, and other professionals involved in the care

• Funding agencies for the purpose of accessing financial support or subsidies

• Legal authorities if required by law or to protect our rights and interests

Information Protection

We are committed to safeguarding your personal information against unauthorised access, use, modification, or disclosure through reasonable measures. Your personal information will be stored either in paper records or electronic systems, which are securely protected by passwords and accessible only to authorised personnel.

We will retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and in compliance with legal requirements. Once the need for your personal information has ceased based on its original purpose, we will take appropriate steps to either destroy it or de-identify it. If legal or regulatory requirements prevent us from destroying or de-identifying your personal information, we will ensure that it remains securely stored and protected.

Complaints and Breaches of Privacy

If you have a complaint about how we handle your personal information, please contact us at emmily@empoweredproject.com.au or call 0493 826 868. We will investigate your complaint and respond to you in writing within a reasonable timeframe. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

If we experience a breach of privacy involving your personal information, we will take immediate steps to contain the breach, assess its impact, and notify you and any relevant authorities as required by law.

Parental/Guardian Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information about themselves and their child

• Notify us promptly of any changes or updates to personal information

• Inform us of any legal orders or restrictions regarding the sharing of information about the child

Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain external links and widgets operated by third parties. These third parties may not be subject to the Privacy Act 1988. Empowered Project is not responsible for the privacy practices of these parties or the security of their websites.

Access and Correction

Parents/guardians have the right to access and request correction of their personal information held by Empowered Project. Requests for access or correction should be submitted in writing to emmily@empoweredproject.com.au.

Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The most current version will be available on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal information, please contact us at emmily@empoweredproject.com.au or call 0493 826 868.

This Privacy Policy was last updated on 27/6/2024.