2.8.1.10 ACCS (child wellbeing) - eligibility

Summary

This topic explains ACCS (child wellbeing) eligibility considerations for individuals (1.1.I.90) and child care providers (1.1.A.90) and covers:

• eligibility for ACCS (child wellbeing)
• limitations on eligibility.

Eligibility for ACCS (child wellbeing)

ACCS (child wellbeing) is available to individuals where they:

• are eligible for CCS (2.6.1)
• care for a child who is 'at risk' (1.1.A.110) of serious abuse or neglect.

In order to access ACCS (child wellbeing), an approved provider must give a certificate (1.1.C.15) or apply for a determination (1.1.D.78) for the child.

There may be no CCS eligible individual for a child at risk of serious abuse of neglect where:

• the approved provider is unable to identify an eligible individual for a child (for example, where the individual does not meet the CCS residency requirements), or
• a child is in a formal foster care arrangement (including kinship care).

In these limited circumstances a provider may still access ACCS (child wellbeing) under a Provider Eligible Arrangement (PEA) (4.13.2.40) for limited periods.

Limitation on eligibility

There are some circumstances where the individual and approved provider may not be eligible for ACCS (child wellbeing) in relation to a child. This includes where:

• the eligibility requirements for CCS are not met (2.6.1) and there is no valid exemption
• there is no CCS eligible individual, and the child does not meet the criteria for a PEA
• a child is no longer considered at risk.