This page outlines reporting obligations that apply when you identify a child at risk and apply for Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) child wellbeing on behalf of their family.
On this page:
Making a child wellbeing referral
If you apply for ACCS child wellbeing on behalf of a family, you must refer the family to an appropriate support agency. This is a requirement under Family Assistance Law.
You must contact an agency that can provide support to the family. You must let them know the child is at risk and that you’ve applied for ACCS child wellbeing.
You must make a record of the referral via the Provider Entry Point (PEP) or your third-party software.
You must contact the support agency and make a referral. You do not need to remain in contact with the support agency.
Support agencies
An appropriate support agency is:
- a state or territory department or agency that deals with matters relating to child welfare, or
- an organisation that deals with such matters on behalf of a department or agency.
This includes, but is not limited to, the following agencies:
- child safety/protection agencies
- parenting assistance, including Family Support Programs
- interpersonal conflict/separation/mediation services
- child and maternal health services, including antenatal services
- drug or alcohol or substance abuse services
- community health services, including publicly funded general practitioner services (but not private services), mental health services, counselling services, women’s health services, bereavement counselling services (psychology or social work), psychiatric services or palliative care services
- domestic violence, rape victim support or other similar support services (including state or territory police)
- homelessness, crisis or public housing services
- financial or gambling counselling services
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and support services
- school readiness programs, school counsellors and other education-related services
- other early intervention services.
You should choose a support agency that is relevant to a family’s circumstances. For example, a family experiencing homelessness may benefit from a referral to public housing services.
Time limits for making a referral
There are time limits for when you must make the referral.
When issuing a certificate, you must notify a support agency within 6 weeks from when the certificate comes into effect.
When applying for a determination, you must notify a support agency before you apply.
We explain certificates and determinations on the following pages.
When you don’t need to make a referral
You do not need to make a referral if:
- you have already made a referral for a child within the last 6 weeks
- you were advised of the risk to the child by an appropriate support agency.
Mandatory reporting
You must also follow any reporting obligations in your state or territory. This is commonly referred to as mandatory reporting.
Making a referral to a support agency is a requirement under Family Assistance Law. It does not remove any mandatory reporting obligations required by your state or territory government.
Mandatory reporting obligations differ between states and territories. Stay up to date with the latest advice from your state or territory government.
Useful links by state and territory
We’ve compiled links to information about mandatory reporting and support agencies in each state and territory for your convenience.
This information is general guidance only. You must stay up to date with the mandatory reporting obligations in your state or territory. You may also identify other appropriate support agencies.
Australian Capital Territory
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations in Keeping Children and Young People Safe: A guide to reporting child abuse and neglect in the ACT. Make a Child Concern Report to Child and Youth Protection Services (CYPS). |
New South Wales
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations in the Mandatory Reporter Guide. Make a report to the Child Protection Helpline on 13 21 11. | NSW Department of Communities and Justice |
Northern Territory
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations on the NT Government website. Make a report to the child protection reporting line on 1800 700 250. |
Queensland
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations on the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services website. Make a report to the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services |
South Australia
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations on the Department for Child Protection website. Make a report to the Child Abuse Report Line on 13 14 78. |
Tasmania
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations and make a report via the Strong Families Safe Kids advice and referral line on 1800 000 123. |
Victoria
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations on the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing website. Make a report to the child protection intake service that covers the area in which the child lives. |
Western Australia
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations on the WA Government website. Make a report to the WA Government | Examples of appropriate support organisations Concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person |