2.8.1.30 ACCS (child wellbeing) - certificates
Summary
This topic describes the circumstances in which an approved provider (1.1.A.90) can give an ACCS (child wellbeing) certificate (1.1.C.15) and covers:
- circumstances where an approved provider gives a certificate
- evidence to support certificates.
Circumstances where an approved provider gives a certificate
A certificate must be given before the approved provider can apply for a determination (1.1.D.78) to be made (except if this is prohibited through the 12 months rule (1.1.T.51)). In most cases, where a child is at risk for some time, first a certificate will be given and then determinations will be made for as long as the child remains 'at risk' (1.1.A.110).
When the approved provider has decided to give a certificate, they can only do so when:
- the individual (1.1.I.90) or the approved provider meet the ACCS (child wellbeing) eligibility requirements in relation to a child, and
- the child meets the definition of 'at risk of serious abuse or neglect', and
- a certificate for the same child has not been given for the same child care service (1.1.A.90) and the same approved provider for a total of 6 weeks in a 12-month period prior to giving a new certificate, and
- the child care service is below any ACCS (child wellbeing) limit specified for that child care service
otherwise they will need to apply for a determination from Centrelink.
Act reference: FAAct 85CB Certification for ACCS (child wellbeing)
Evidence to support certificates
No documentary evidence needs to be provided for the purpose of giving a certificate. Approved providers are required to keep relevant records outside the CCSS to meet their written record obligations:
- recording information or events regarding an individual's eligibility for CCS or ACCS
- recording information about the provider's eligibility for ACCS (child wellbeing).
Act reference: FAAct section 85CB Certification for ACCS (child wellbeing)
FA(Admin)Act section 202A Requirement to make records, section 202B Requirement to keep records, section 202C Requirement to keep records in relation to certification for ACCS (child wellbeing)
Policy reference: FA Guide 2.8.1.10 ACCS (child wellbeing) - eligibility, 2.6.1 CCS eligibility