This page outlines reporting obligations that apply when you identify a child in need of wellbeing support 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 (FAL).
You must make a referral to an appropriate support agency that can provide support to the family.
You must:
- let them know the child is in need of wellbeing support and that you’ve applied for ACCS child wellbeing.
- make a record of the referral via the Provider Entry Point (PEP) or your third-party software.
You do not need to remain in contact with the support agency.
Appropriate 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 state or territory department or agency.
Organisations which deal with such matters on behalf of a state or territory department or agency can include, but are not limited to,
- child safety and protection organisations
- parenting assistance, including Family Support Programs
- child and maternal health services, including postnatal and antenatal services
- drug or alcohol or substance abuse services
- domestic violence, survivor of sexual assault support or other similar support services (including state or territory police)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and support services
- homelessness, crisis or public housing services.
You should choose an appropriate 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 to the appropriate support agency when issuing a certificate:
- within 6 weeks from when the certificate comes into effect or
- before applying for a determination
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 the child was in need of wellbeing support by an appropriate support agency, such as a state or territory child protection agency. This includes where the child or their family are participating in a program listed on the approved program list.
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 an appropriate support agency is a requirement under FAL. 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 appropriate 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 or report online to CARE Services. |
Queensland
| Mandatory reporting | Support agencies |
|---|---|
Check your obligations on the Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety. Make a report to the Queensland Government. | Family and Child Connect |
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. | Strong Families Safe Kids advice and referral line |
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. | The Orange Door |
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 |