3.11.5.50 Exemption arrangements in ParentsNext

For ParentsNext participants

ParentsNext participants who are experiencing challenging circumstances can apply for an exemption period, noting however that ParentsNext participants can choose whether or not to participate.

While exemptions for JSP and YA (other) recipients can only be granted by Services Australia, exemptions for PP recipients in ParentsNext can be granted by Services Australia or ParentsNext providers.

Services Australia and ParentsNext providers are able to grant exemptions for the following reasons:

• major personal crisis
• major personal disruption to a participant's home
• personal circumstances including, bereavement, community service order, domestic violence or relationship breakdown, declared natural disaster and jury duty
• temporary confinement due to pregnancy/birth of a child
• temporary medical incapacity
• temporary incapacity due to serious illness
• caring responsibilities
  • if the participant is an active and registered foster carer
  • if the participant is providing home schooling for one or more of the children or secondary pupil children for whom they are the principal carer parent or main supporter
  • if the participant is providing or suitably assisting and supervising distance education for one or more of the children for whom they are the principal carer parent, or secondary pupil children for whom they are the main supporter
  • if the participant is caring for a large family (that is, is the principal carer parent or main supporter parent of 4 or more children aged 18 or under)
  • if the participant is a relative but not a parent of a child and the child is living with the PP recipient in accordance with a family law order
  • if the participant is a relative but not a parent of a child and the child is living with the PP recipient in accordance with a document prepared or accepted by a state or territory authority that has responsibility for the wellbeing of children, or
  • other special family circumstances.

Services Australia can also grant exemptions for approved overseas absences.

Exemptions do not apply to circumstances wholly or predominately attributable to a participant's misuse of alcohol or drugs.

Participants with an exemption are not required to sign a participation plan, attend appointments with a ParentsNext provider or undertake activities, but may elect to receive services from their provider.

Note: Some exemptions MUST be applied, while others MAY be applied, if the compulsory participant meets the conditions for the particular exemption.