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.

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.A.12) and covers:

  • circumstances where an approved provider gives a certificate
  • evidence to support certificates.

Circumstances where an approved provider gives a certificate

If an approved provider identifies, or is notified of, a child in need of wellbeing support (1.1.I.120), they can give an ACCS (child wellbeing) certificate. An ACCS (child wellbeing) certificate must be given for a total period of 6 weeks, after which the approved provider can apply for an ACCS (child wellbeing) determination (1.1.A.13) to be made.

Approved providers are only able to give a certificate for a total of 6 weeks within a 12-month period (1.1.T.51). If the 6 weeks has been used and the child is still in need of wellbeing support, ACCS can only continue to be accessed for the remainder of those 12 months through applying for a determination.

The approved provider will need to use a new 6 weeks of certificates in every 12-month period before continuing to apply for determinations, if the child is still attending the service and continues to be in need of wellbeing support. This can be through a single certificate, covering a 6-week duration, or through multiple certificates making up 6-weeks in total duration. A child must meet the relevant eligibility criteria for at least one day in each week for which a certificate is given.

When the approved provider has decided to give a certificate, they must ensure:

  • the individual (1.1.I.90) or the approved provider meet the ACCS (child wellbeing) eligibility requirements in relation to a child (2.8.1.10), and
  • the child meets the definition of 'a child in need of wellbeing support—child at risk of suffering harm'

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

Evidence to support certificates

No documentary evidence needs to be provided to CCSS for the purpose of giving a certificate unless the approved provider is requesting to backdate the certificate beyond 28 days (up to 13 weeks in exceptional circumstances) (2.8.1.70).

However, the provider must keep records and evidence to support their assessment that the child needs wellbeing support, as they can be asked for it by Services Australia or the Department of Education for auditing purposes.

Act reference: 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)

Last reviewed: