Special Liability Insurance Scheme
Your mission continues. Our coverage ensures it.
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About the scheme
The Special Liability Insurance Scheme provides financial protection to NGOs contracted by the Department of Communities and Justice, from claims related to incidents of physical or sexual abuse (PSA) committed by an employee or volunteer against a young person in your organisation's out-of-home-care and/or youth homelessness services.
To deliver out-of-home care and youth homelessness services on behalf of the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), NGOs must have PSA insurance. This requirement can be fulfilled through the Special Liability Insurance Scheme or by obtaining commercial coverage.
Back to top ⇡About our cover
We offer coverage of up to $10 million per occurrence for claims arising from physical or sexual abuse committed by an employee or volunteer against a young person in your organisation.
Our policy is specifically designed for NGOs that hold contracts with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice to deliver youth homelessness or out-of-home care services. The coverage only applies to claims related to these specific areas of work.
Please note: our policy does not cover any private work or activities outside of your DCJ-contracted responsibilities for youth homelessness or out-of-home care services.
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Benefits of our scheme
By choosing our Scheme, NGOs benefit from:
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Financial security
We safeguard your organisation from the financial burden of claims, allowing you to focus on delivering vital services to young people in need. -
Cost effective coverage
Our specialised cover offers more comprehensive protection at a lower cost than what is typically available on the commercial market. -
Expert assistance
Our dedicated claims management team provide trauma-informed guidance and support through the entire claims process. -
Support survivors
We provide financial compensation to victims of abuse, enabling them to access resources for healing and recovery. -
Counselling and cover
Our coverage includes financial compensation as well as up to $1 million in therapeutic support for victims of abuse, empowering them to heal and rebuild their lives. -
Compliance
We ensure you meet the mandatory PSA insurance requirements to contract with the Department of Communities and Justice.
What to expect
We understand the sensitive nature of physical and sexual abuse claims. Our claims management process is designed to provide empathetic and trauma-informed support to all involved.
Key aspects of our claims process:
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Dedicated claims management:
Our experienced claims team is equipped to handle abuse claims with sensitivity and professionalism. -
Trauma-informed approach:
We are committed to conducting investigations in a way that minimises trauma for survivors. -
Fairness and transparency:
We strive for fairness and transparency throughout the claims process, ensuring that all parties are treated equitably. -
Expert assistance:
When necessary, we appoint medical experts to provide specialised insights and support the claims process. -
Making a claim
NGOs should notify icare as soon as they become aware of a PSA claim involving their organisation.
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Scheme background
The Special Liability Insurance Scheme was established in response to the significant increase in physical and sexual abuse claims (PSA) following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. This surge in claims led to the withdrawal of many commercial insurers from providing PSA cover for out-of-home-care and/or youth homelessness services.
To work with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) providing out-of-home-care and/or youth homelessness services, NGOs must have insurance coverage for physical and sexual abuse claims. To fill this critical gap, the Scheme was created specifically for NGOs contracted by DCJ to deliver out-of-home care and youth homelessness services. This targeted approach ensures that organisations providing these essential services for DCJ, have access to the necessary insurance coverage to protect themselves and the vulnerable young people in their care.
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How to join the scheme
To find out how to join the scheme, please contact icare on the below contact details to obtain a proposal form.
Contact us
General enquiries: email us at NGOPSA@icare.nsw.gov.au
Claims and notifications: email us at ClaimsNGOPSA@icare.nsw.gov.au
Phone: (02) 7922 1366 (Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
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