Carer Approvals – Kinship Carers and Foster Carers
What are the changes to carer approvals for kinship carers and foster carers?
Changes (amendments) to the Children and Young People Act 2008 started on 1 January 2016.
More information about these amendments can be found at www.act.gov.au/CBRstepsup
These amendments included changes to streamline the way carer approvals are issued.
This means:
 All carers will now undergo a single process to become an Approved Carer which will be valid
for up to three years.
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This combines the existing ‘carer authorisation of Suitable Entity for the purpose of foster
caring’ and the ‘General Parental Authority (GPA)’ processes into a one step process.
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This change also means kinship carers will now undergo the same carer approval process as
foster carers.
An Approved Carer will need to be renewed every three years. This will happen as closely as
possible to the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) check, which is also valid for three years.
Why is the carer approval process changing?
The change to carer approvals will streamline processes to a single, reviewable decision point,
rather than the previous twostep process to be authorised for GPA. This also makes sure the
requirements to be a kinship carer or foster carer are the same. It is just one the ways we are
strengthening the accountability of the care system to produce better outcomes for children and
young people in care.
I am a current kinship carer, or a current foster carer with a GPA - what do I need to do?
You do not need to take any immediate action regarding your carer approval status. Kinship carers
with a Specific Parental Authority (SPA) will automatically have their existing carer approval status
updated to that of Approved Carer.
Current foster carers with a GPA and WWVP check will have their existing carer approval status
updated to that of Approved Carer. As a foster carer, a ‘Transitional Approved Carer Instrument’
has been issued to you for the period of time up until your Approved Carer check renewal is due,
or a review of your Approved Carer status is undertaken. You will be contacted when your
Approved Carer status is due for renewal. This will be at the same time your WWVP check is due
for renewal.
What happens when I am due to have my Approved Carer status renewed?
A renewal process will occur for an Approved Carer every three years to make sure that you
continue to meet all the necessary requirements to care for a child or young person. This will
happen when a carer’s WWVP check and Approved Carer status are due for renewal.
The out of home care agency will contact carers approximately one month in advance to do the
Approved Carer renewal and ensure that your WWVP renewal has been submitted. Once these
processes are completed and approved an Approved Carer approval will be renewed and issued
for a further three years.
What if I do not agree with the decision?
The decision for an Approved Carer is a ‘reviewable decision’. This means there is a formal process
that allows a decision to be reviewed by the Administrative and Civil Appeals Tribunal (ACAT). For
more information please contact ACAT on 6207 1740 or email tribunal@act.gov.au
Do I have an obligation to update anyone on changes to my circumstances?
Yes. All kinship carers and foster carers are required by law to notify their out of home care agency
or Child and Youth Protection Services within seven days of any changes to their circumstances
which may impact on their suitability to provide care for a child or young person. This may also
include changes to the household, such as someone moving in, a change in relationship status,
significant health issues or conviction of certain offences by any member of the household. You can
contact your out of home care agency or CYPS to provide this information.
For kinship carers, this is a new requirement and only applies whilst a current Specific Parenting
Authority (SPA) is held and a child or young person is in your care.
The Child and Youth Protection Services case manager or out of home care agency can also be
contacted for any queries or to give advice when a carer is unsure about whether a change needs
to be reported.
Where can I go for more information?
For more information, please contact the Child and Youth Protection Service case manager or out
home care agency. Alternatively, Child and Youth Protection Services can be contacted on 6207
4544 or by email at CBRstepsup@act.gov.au.
For more information on A Step Up for Our Kids please visit www.act.gov.au/CBRstepsup.