3.6.12.230 Answering the ACL questionnaire

Summary

This topic provides clarification about how carers should respond to the questions on the ACL questionnaire.

Limit of answers

For questions in domain A - behaviour 1: the carer must indicate the ONE item that best describes how well the child in care usually manages.

For questions in domain B - behaviour 2: the carer must indicate the ONE item that best describes the child's behaviour and the impact it has on the carer during the day and the night.

For questions in domain C - Functional abilities - all subdomains: the carer must indicate the ONE item that best describes the child's ability when using any aids, appliances or home modifications that assist with the care of the child. If the child's condition changes from day-to-day, the carer must indicate the ONE item that best describes the child's usual ability, i.e. what the child is able to do most of the time.

For questions in domain D - Special care needs - both subdomains: the carer must indicate the ONE item that best describes the child's care needs based on the child's usual and ongoing needs.

For all questions in domain D, the carer should indicate EACH item that applies to the child and the average amount of time they spend providing this care (for those items that require this response).

Usual ability

The carer responses must be based on the care they provide to the child when he or she is using aids, appliances or other special equipment items, if they have them, or when the child is using their prescribed medication if they take it. If the care receiver doesn't have aids or doesn't take their prescribed medication the assessment is based on their needs without these things.

Note: Some people cannot afford to purchase aids or prescribed medication, while others may refuse to take them because of other complications.