The Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) child wellbeing subsidy provides extra help with the cost of early childhood education and care. It’s for families who care for children who need extra support.
From 1 July 2026, we are updating the language we use to describe children who may be eligible for ACCS child wellbeing.
We have heard that terminology such as ‘risk of serious abuse or neglect’ can be stigmatising and may discourage families from accessing support. Our updated language:
- focuses on children’s wellbeing needs
- makes it easier to start supportive conversations with families.
Providers play an important role in this process, as they apply for ACCS child wellbeing on behalf of families.
You will now see the term ‘a child in need of wellbeing support’ being used in some places instead of previous terminology.
The criteria to access ACCS child wellbeing is not changing. Evidence supporting ACCS child wellbeing applications must clearly demonstrate that the child needs additional wellbeing support because they are facing harm from serious abuse or neglect.
Find out more about ACCS child wellbeing and the important role providers play.