EPIC, Inc - About

Mission

Families are the foundation of our community, and their well-being is inextricably linked to the health and prosperity of the community, state, and nation.

EPIC transforms the culture of child welfare practice through a respectful, collaborative, solution-oriented process that protects children, strengthens families, and enhances the health of the community.

Neutral Non-profit

Effective Planning and Innovative Communication (EPIC), Inc. is a neutral, non-profit 501 (c) 3 Hawaii corporation devoted to family conferencing, facilitation, training and program development. We are not part of CPS or DHS/CWS. Beginning in January 1998, EPIC has conducted ‘Ohana Conferences throughout the state. Since 1996, more than 6,000 conferences have been conducted with more than 50,000 participants. Since 2004, EPIC has conducted more than 300 youth circles.

'Ohana Conferences and Youth Circles are available to families on all islands of Hawaii.

History

THE DEVELOPMENT OF `OHANA
CONFERENCING IN HAWAI`I

The ‘Ohana Conferencing project began in Honolulu, Hawaii in July 1996 as a collaborative effort by the family court of the first circuit, the department of Human Services – Social services Division, and the Wai’anae community on the island of O’ahu. Funded by the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and with support from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the project has developed a powerful community-based intervention strategy which diverts child abuse and neglect cases from court and assists families involved in the court process.