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.

6.2.4.30 DOP reviews - parent's location unknown, adoption, arrival of refugee's parent

Summary

This topic explains DOP (1.2.4.20) reviews in the following situations:

  • when a surviving parent's (1.1.S.450) whereabouts are unknown to the DOP recipient
  • adoption, and
  • the arrival of a refugee's (1.1.R.110) parent in Australia (1.1.A.320).

Surviving parent's whereabouts are unknown to the DOP recipient

If a DOP recipient indicates that they do not know the whereabouts of the surviving parent and payment is made on this basis, a 2 yearly review is set to verify whether the parent and child have had any contact.

Centrelink should inform the recipient of the availability of social workers and explain that social workers may assist by:

  • supplying details of
    • support services available
    • any additional advice needed
  • building on the relationship between the recipient and Centrelink established at the time of grant, and
  • reporting on the recipient's knowledge of the parent's whereabouts.

    Example: A social worker may assist with discussing details about the last contact, any approximate whereabouts, whether there is any likelihood of future involvement, and any and what type of attempts have been made to establish the whereabouts of the surviving parent.

Adoption

DOP is not payable, if the child for whom DOP is claimed is adopted by the applicant. If a DOP recipient indicates that adoption is likely, the circumstances should be investigated. Centrelink should obtain a statement from the DOP recipient as to whether:

  • any legal action has been undertaken or legal advice sought, and
  • there are any barriers to adoption.

Centrelink should also:

  • remind the recipient of their obligation to notify Centrelink of any changes in circumstances
  • advise the recipient of the availability of social workers, who can provide advice and referrals to support services
  • grant or continue the claim, and
  • set a review for earlier than the anticipated adoption date.

If a recipient indicates that adoption is not imminent or likely, a review should be set for 2 years from this time. If eligibility is assessed as ongoing at the 2 year review, a further 2 yearly review is set.

Arrival of a refugee's parent in Australia

If Centrelink becomes aware that the parent of a refugee child has arrived in Australia, the matter should be reviewed immediately. If the parent's whereabouts are known to the recipient, DOP should be cancelled, generally from the next available payday. If a DOP recipient indicates that the parent's entry is unlikely or not imminent, Centrelink should set a 2 yearly review to verify whether the situation has changed. Centrelink should inform the DOP recipient of the availability of social workers, who can provide advice and referrals to support services.

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