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.D.170 Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) (CP (child), CA (child))

Definition

For the purpose of CP and CA, the DCLA (Child) is used to measure:

  • the level of care required by a care receiver or care receivers aged under 16 years because of a severe disability, severe medical condition, disability or medical condition, AND
  • the level of care given by a person to each care receiver.

The DCLA is comprised of:

  • a carer questionnaire (the ACL questionnaire), and
  • a THP questionnaire (the professional questionnaire).

The DCLA is used to determine a qualifying rating as part of the qualification process for CP and CA. A qualifying rating of intense is required in order to qualify for CP and CA.

Act reference: SSAct section 38E Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination, section 197B Qualification - child with a severe disability or severe medical condition, section 197C Qualification - 2 or more children each with a disability or medical condition, section 197D Qualification - disabled adult and one or more children each with a disability or medical condition, section 953 Qualification for CA-caring for either one or 2 disabled children

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.6.4.10 Qualification for CP, 3.6.7.30 Qualification for CA

ACL questionnaire

The ACL questionnaire is completed by the person claiming CP and/or CA. It assesses the level of care required by and provided to the care receiver (care load) by the person claiming CP or CA based on questions about the behaviour, functional ability and special care needs of the care receiver. A separate ACL questionnaire must be completed for each care receiver aged under 16 years in respect of whom CP or CA is claimed.

Note: An ACL questionnaire is not to be completed for a lower ADAT score adult (1.1.L.130) for the purposes of multiple care (1.1.M.155). Under the DCLA a lower ADAT score adult is attributed a score of 40 which contributes to the overall rating.

Professional questionnaire

The professional questionnaire is completed by a THP (1.1.T.170) for each child in respect of whom CP or CA is claimed. It assesses the functional ability, behaviour and special care needs of the child to determine the total professional questionnaire score.

Act reference: SSAct section 38E Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination

Last reviewed: