Privacy and Confidentiality Policy
1. Purpose
Footprints Early Childhood Intervention (Footprints ECI) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all personal information collected about children, families, employees, and partners.
This policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and disclose personal and sensitive information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All staff, contractors, students, and volunteers of Footprints ECI.
- All personal and sensitive information collected from families, children, and other stakeholders during the provision of our services.
3. Definitions
- Personal Information: Information or an opinion that identifies an individual (e.g. name, address, date of birth).
- Sensitive Information: Includes information about health, disability, cultural background, or other personal circumstances.
- Confidential Information: Information that is not publicly available and is entrusted to Footprints ECI by families, staff, or partners.
4. Collection of Information
Footprints ECI collects personal and sensitive information to provide high-quality early childhood intervention services.
We collect information through:
- Enrolment and consent forms
- Assessments and therapy sessions
- Communications with families, educators, and other professionals
- Referrals and reports from external agencies
Information collected will always be relevant, necessary, and obtained with consent.
5. Use and Disclosure of Information
Personal and sensitive information is used to:
- Plan, deliver, and review therapy and family support services
- Communicate with families, caregivers, and other professionals involved in a child’s support
- Meet legal, funding, and reporting obligations
Information will only be shared:
- With consent from the parent or guardian, or
- When required or authorised by law (e.g. child protection concerns, court orders, NDIS compliance).
6. Storage and Security
Footprints ECI takes all reasonable steps to ensure personal information is protected from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
- Electronic records are stored securely on password-protected systems.
- Paper records are kept in locked cabinets within restricted areas.
- Only authorised staff have access to client information.
- Information is securely destroyed or permanently de-identified when no longer required.
7. Confidentiality Obligations of Staff
All staff, students, and contractors must:
- Sign a Confidentiality Agreement before commencing work.
- Maintain confidentiality of all client and organisational information at all times.
- Only discuss information when necessary for professional reasons and in appropriate settings.
- Report any breaches or concerns regarding privacy immediately to the Director.
8. Access and Correction
Families and individuals have the right to access and request correction of their personal information held by Footprints ECI.
Requests can be made in writing to the Director. Access will be provided unless restricted by law or where it may pose a risk to the safety of an individual.
9. Data Retention
Client information is retained for the period required by law or funding body requirements.
After this period, records are securely destroyed or permanently de-identified.
10. Breach of Privacy
Any suspected or actual breach of privacy must be reported immediately to the Director.
Footprints ECI will investigate and take appropriate action in accordance with our incident management procedures and the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme (where applicable).
11. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are legislative or organisational changes.
Feedback from families and staff is encouraged to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
12. Contact
If you have questions or concerns about privacy or confidentiality, please contact:
Director – Footprints Early Childhood Intervention
📧 info@footprintseci.com.au
📞 0478 037 901
🌐 www.footprintseci.com.au
