Get short-term childcare for young children in a crisis
We may fund some childcare days or weeks for ACT children who are too young for school. Children need a referral to this program.
About the program
Our Children’s Services Program (CSP) can help some children get short-term childcare during the day. We may pay for up to 12 weeks of childcare.
The child needs:
- to live in the ACT
- to be too young for school
- to have a sudden and urgent need for care
- a referral to the program.
The child does not need to be an Australian citizen or have a Centrelink Reference Number (CRN).
Who can refer children to the program
Agencies that can refer your child include:
- ACT Child and Family Centres
- ACT Children, Youth and Families
- Organisations that provide case-management services
- Domestic and family violence support agencies
- Primary health services.
When you can apply
To apply for the program, all these things must be true:
- No other care options are available, there is no family or support person who can care for the child.
- The family can't afford to pay for childcare.
- The child can’t get Additional Child Care Subsidy.
Also, one of these things must be true for the child and family:
- There is a sudden family crisis after a mental or physical health issue for the parent or legal guardian.
- There is a sudden incident involving domestic or family violence, substance abuse, homelessness or a traumatic event.
- The child is known to Children, Youth and Families.
- The child was recently placed in Out-of-Home care.
- The parent or legal guardian must go to court.
- The child needs short-term childcare for their safety and wellbeing.
If your child needs our help your referrer can ask us for an application form.
Contact us
Children’s Services Program team
Call 6207 1103
Email Childrens.Services@act.gov.au