Flexible Funding
We distribute government funding to eligible families to help meet the needs of a child in their care. The flexible funding program is jointly delivered by PCA Families and OzChild, supported by a consortium of other agencies.
Referal & Application Forms
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for funding you must:
- Have a Victorian Permanent Care Order, Adoption Order or Parenting Order via the Family Law Court; and
- Be in receipt of the DHHS care allowance; and
- Be at least 12 months post the granting of a permanent order; AND
- Have a child under the age of 18 years.
How does it work?
- Flexible funding may be approved to cover partial or full costs
- It will only be provided when the cost of the service, product, or activity, is beyond that reasonably covered by an existing care allowance, including education and medical allowance, or other sources of funding including the NDIS, Mental Health Care Plans etc.
- It may be provided directly to a retailer, service provider or may be reimbursed to a parent/carer (by exception if pre-approved).
What CAN the funding be used for?
- Access to services to address the therapeutic needs of a child which result from trauma or negative experiences (e.g. counselling or family therapy services).
- Additional educational support not covered by the education allowance (e.g. computers).
- Additional health and medical needs of the child not covered by the medical allowance, Medicare, or private health insurance.
- Preserve contact between parents, siblings, and family members.
- Preserve cultural identity.
- Provide access to respite care.
- Cover costs related to childcare beyond other subsidies.
- Assist with home modifications provided they are essential to meet the needs of the child.
- Assist with essential vehicle requirements such as modifications, car seats, and upsizing.
- Assist with other services essential to support the placement.
What CAN’T the funding be used for?
- Legal costs
- Staff salaries or professional development costs.
How do I apply?
- You can apply by completing the Carer Application from. You may alternatively contact us on 9020 1833 and we can guide you through the process over the phone.
- You will need to provide:
- A copy of the child’s Statutory Court Order with court reference number in the top right-hand corner (required)
- A copy of your DHHS remittance slip (care allowance) from within 30 days of the date of application (required)
- Quotes or invoices for the requested goods and services (required)
- Any other supporting documentation - including supporting letters or reports from a relevant professional (optional)
- Your application will be allocated to a staff member who will contact you to discuss the application. Please submit your application as early as possible as this will assist us in managing demand for the service.
- Applications of a higher cost will require external approval by members of the Permanent Care Alliance, which includes a number of partner agencies:
- CREATE Foundation.
- Foster Care Association of Victoria (FCAV)
- Kinship Carers Victoria (KCV)
- Mirabel Foundation
- OzChild
- Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
- You will be notified by PCA Families of the outcome of your application.
How do I provide feedback or request a review of a decision?
If you would like to lodge formal feedback or make a complaint please contact us.
Urgent financial support
If you require urgent financial support please contact your local providers:
Some of the ways families have told us that flexible funding has supported them
- Helped my child build confidence and self-esteem
- Helped my child build personal and interpersonal skills
- Helped my child access support services so he/she can be happy and healthy
- Helped improve interpersonal dynamics within our family
- Helped improve my family’s understanding of the impact of trauma on children
- Provided my child with opportunities to have fun, engage more effectively at school, develop and learn
- Allowed my child to try new things and pursue their goals
- Allowed my child to connect with peers and make new or strengthen existing friendships
- Helped improve my child’s ability to manage what comes his/her way and be resilient
- Helped my child to prepare for life after school
- Helped my child relate to other family members and maintain contact with biological family
- Helped me to build my relationship with my child
- Helped me to manage what comes my way and stay resilient
- Reduced financial and family stress, making things easier and more doable at home
- Helped my child develop water safety and swimming skills
- Enabled child to participate in team or other sports
- Allowed child to participate in cultural or fun activities.
‘‘I am so blown away with the support that is there for not just my family but for other families that are permanent carers or adoptive parents. The staff have been amazing and it is so good to know that there is not only financial support but support for the carers, someone to talk to and someone to let you know what you can do for our beautiful grandchildren.’’
Privacy
PCA Families will seek consent from you to contact a third party about your circumstances unless there is an immediate risk of harm identified for a child, young person or another person. Any client information used for PCA Families reports will be de-identified to protect the identity of children and families.
