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.D.78 Determination (ACCS (child wellbeing))

Definition

An ACCS (child wellbeing) determination is a process by which Centrelink, on application by an approved provider (1.1.A.90), considers that a child is/was at risk of serious abuse or neglect at the time the care is/was provided.

Once a determination has been made, the approved provider can access ACCS (child wellbeing) for a maximum of 13 weeks at a time.

A determination is made for full weeks and must start on a Monday. Every week the determination is in effect for, needs to include at least one day where a child meets the definition of 'at risk of serious abuse or neglect'. Determinations can be backdated up to 28 days before the application was made.

A determination is valid at any approved child care service (1.1.A.90) of any approved provider and irrespective of the individual with whom the child resides (as long as that individual is CCS eligible).

The approved provider must submit third-party evidence to inform Centrelink's decision making.

If a child remains at risk and the ACCS (child wellbeing) payment should be extended, the approved provider must advise Centrelink before a determination ends. The approved provider may need to provide additional evidence before a subsequent determination can be made.

Act reference: FAAct section 85CE Determination for ACCS (child wellbeing)

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

Last reviewed: