The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.C.15 Certificate (ACCS (child wellbeing))

Definition

An ACCS (child wellbeing) certificate is the process in which an approved provider (1.1.A.90) certifies to the Secretary that they consider that a child is or was at risk of serious abuse or neglect on a day (at risk day).

An ACCS (child wellbeing) certificate can be given by an approved provider where a child is 'at risk', allowing the approved provider to access ACCS (child wellbeing) for a maximum of 6 weeks.

A certificate is given for full weeks and must start on a Monday. Every week the certificate is in effect for, it needs to include at least 1 day where a child meets the definition of 'at risk of serious abuse or neglect'. Certificates can be backdated up to 28 days, but cannot commence after the day it is given.

A certificate given for a child is only valid at a particular approved child care service (1.1.A.90) of a particular provider. A certificate is valid for all enrolments (1.1.E.25) of the child at this service.

Once certificate/s have been given for a child at a service for 6 weeks within any 12 month period, the approved provider must apply to Centrelink for an ACCS (child wellbeing) determination if the child continues to be 'at risk'.

Act reference: FAAct section 85CB Certification for ACCS (child wellbeing)

Policy reference: FA Guide 2.8.1.30 ACCS (child wellbeing) - certificates, 2.8.1.40 ACCS (child wellbeing) - determinations

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