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

A certificate must be given before the approved provider can apply for a determination (1.1.D.78) to be made (except if this is prohibited through the 12 months rule (1.1.T.51)). In most cases, where a child is at risk for some time, first a certificate will be given and then determinations will be made for as long as the child remains 'at risk' (1.1.A.110).

When the approved provider has decided to give a certificate, they can only do so when:

• the individual (1.1.I.90) or the approved provider meet the ACCS (child wellbeing) eligibility requirements in relation to a child, and
• the child meets the definition of 'at risk of serious abuse or neglect', and
• a certificate for the same child has not been given for the same child care service (1.1.A.90) and the same approved provider for a total of 6 weeks in a 12-month period prior to giving a new certificate, and
• the child care service is below any ACCS (child wellbeing) limit specified for that child care service

otherwise they will need to apply for a determination from Centrelink.

Evidence to support certificates

No documentary evidence needs to be provided for the purpose of giving a certificate. Approved providers are required to keep relevant records outside the CCSS to meet their written record obligations:

• recording information or events regarding an individual's eligibility for CCS or ACCS
• recording information about the provider's eligibility for ACCS (child wellbeing).