ACCS - Child Wellbeing Changes 2021

This article will assist you with managing the changes for ACCS from the 30/6/2021.

Overview

From the 1st July 2021, CCSS is implementing changes in the way ACCS Enrolments are managed.

When should I use a Provider Eligible Enrolment?

**This enrolment type can only be used in very limited circumstances. **

• For example, you may use the enrolment type when a child is ‘at risk’ for the purpose of ACCS (child wellbeing) but the family does not meet the residency requirements for Child Care Subsidy (CCS).
• Most children who receive ACCS payments should be enrolled under a Complying Written Arrangement (CWA).

Children on CWA enrolments receiving ACCS

• Top ups in relation to child well being not much changes
• You will be able to back date the certificate or determination further in some exceptional circumstances
• You can apply for ACCS for up to 52 weeks via a Determination in certain circumstances

Children on ACCS enrolments (ie with no CCS eligible carer)

• The existing ACCS enrolment will need to be replaced with a new PEA enrolment from 1st July 2021.
• You will need to specify whether is a “No Eligible Carer” (NOCARE) or “Child is in formal foster/kinship care” (FOSKIN) but otherwise its like creating an ACCS enrolment
• All current ACCS enrolments will be end dated by the department on 30th june 2021 so replacement PEA enrolments will need to be created.

Provider Eligible Arrangements (PEA) 1/7/21 forward requirements

• Collect all required information as a part of the enrolment process
• Within the PEA enrolment you must be able to indicate the circumstances
• OR that you have been unable to identify a CCSS Eligible Individual

Criteria for PEA Child Wellbeing

• Service is NOT able to identify a CCSS Eligible Carer
• Child is in Formal Foster/Kinship Care

PEA Foster/Kinship Care

• Maximum 13 weeks PER Service PER Child CRN
• Will not be time limited (in certain circumstances)

Scenarios 1 PEA to CWA

Billy is a four year old child under a state court order. He has been placed with a new foster family who approaches Yellow Early Learning Centre to enrol Billy in child care as it will enable him to socialise with other children in a positive learning environment.

Attendance at child care will also enable Billy’s foster parents to maintain their existing employment.

As Billy is a foster child subject to a protection order, Yellow Early Learning Centre enrols Billy under a Provider Eligible Arrangement type for ACCS (child wellbeing).

This enrolment type is limited to 13 weeks and in that time the provider is expected to work with the family to ensure that the new foster parent makes an application to Centrelink in order to confirm their CCS eligibility.

During the 13 weeks the provider issued a six week ACCS (child wellbeing) certificate followed by a determination application for another 7 weeks.

When the foster family’s CCS eligibility was confirmed, the provider submitted a new Complying Written Arrangement (CWA) with the eligible individual (foster parent/s).

The remaining 7 weeks **of the **determination continued to be in effect under the new CWA with the foster parent/s.

Scenarios 2 - Backdating Certificates & Determinations up to 13 weeks

On 3 Jan 2022, a provider issues a certificate for 6 week to an ‘at risk’ child.

The child continues to be ‘at risk’ so an initial determination is submitted and approved for 13 weeks until 15 May 2022.

The child continues to be ‘at risk’.

As the evidence is outdated, the provider seeks updated evidence from the third party to support a subsequent determination.

Despite the provider’s effort, evidence is not received by the provider until 3 July 2022.

On 4 July 2022, the provider submits a subsequent determination application and requests backdate 7 weeks prior, i.e. 16 May 2022 indicating as part of the application they have experienced exceptional circumstances and have uploaded supporting evidence

Scenarios 3 - ACCS up to 52 weeks Determination

Billy is in the care of his foster parents on a long term protection order for a period of two years.

Billy is enrolled with Yellow Early Learning Centre under a Complying Written Arrangement.

Under this change, as Billy’s protection order places him in the care of his foster family, the provider applies for an ACCS (child wellbeing) determination for 52 weeks.

Centrelink approves the application, using the order as evidence and the provider does not need to apply for another determination for 52 weeks unless Billy’s care situation changes.

Updated on: 28/06/2021