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.C.15) 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 ‘at risk’ (1.1.A.110), 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.D.78) 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 at risk, ACCS can only continue to be accessed through applying for a determination.

The approved provider will need to use a new 6 weeks of certificate/s in every 12-month period before continuing to apply for determinations, if the child is still attending the service and continues to be at risk.

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 'at risk of serious abuse or neglect'

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 is at risk, 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)

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