Educating Professionals in Contested Allegations of Abuse

EPiCA has been established by motivated professionals in order to promote evidence-based education in this challenging and important area of practice

A considerable body of evidence exists that the UK child protection frequently fails children

EPiCA believes in evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP can be defined as the integration of skilled professional judgment AND the best available research evidence about the effectiveness of all interventions. The professional’s ‘output’ is measured and evaluated; this knowledge is used to improve, in conjunction with any new research data, the practice of that particular professional.

The vulnerability of professional practice not underpinned by EBP threatens those professionals as well as the whole child protection system

EPiCA positively contributes to Child, Parent and Family Protection

Allegations of historic abuse require impartial and thorough investigation combined with very careful evaluation*

EPiCA has developed educational materials pertinent to the Medical, Social Service, Policing, Teaching, Legal and other related Professionals

Unrecognised abuse can have tragic consequences (Beckford-Climbie)

Labelling normal families as abusive families also often has tragic consequences

EPiCA believes that Professionals working in child protection should not believe that it is better to err on the side of safety rather than that of justice. EPiCA is of the opinion that to relegate justice in this manner is not ethical, is not consistent with good professional practice and is certainly not defensible.

*1989 Children Act and 1996 Criminal Prosection and Investigation Act