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.

1.1.A.200 Approved care organisation (ACO)

Usage

This definition applies to DOP and CA.

Definition

An ACO is a charitable, religious or other organisation that:

coordinates or provides residential care services to young people in Australia, and
has been approved as an ACO by a delegate.

Examples:

Agencies which:
- assist homeless youth
- care for children with intellectual or physical disabilities, or
- accommodate young refugees in order to help them adjust to Australian society.
Adoption and foster care agencies which arrange pre-adoptive foster care.
Public hospitals providing long term or permanent care for young people with a disability.

Act reference: SSAct section 35(1) Approval of care organisation

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.5.2 DOP - qualification & payability, 3.6.7 CA - qualification & payability

Last reviewed: 20 March 2023

The Department of Social Services acknowledges the traditional country throughout Australia on which we gather, live, work and stand. We acknowledge all traditional custodians, their Elders past, present and emerging and we pay our respects to their continuing connection to their culture, community, land, sea and rivers.