In Home Care (IHC) program provides financial assistance to families

The Australian government's In Home Care (IHC) program provides financial assistance to families who require in-home childcare due to their unique circumstances, such as shift work, rural or remote location, or a child with a disability or medical condition of either the child or parent. The program is designed to provide flexible and personalized care options for families who cannot access traditional childcare services.

 

To be eligible for the IHC program, families must meet certain criteria, such as having no access to other approved childcare services, requiring care outside of standard hours, or living in a rural or remote area. Families of course must also be eligible for CCS in the first place and need to register for this first.

 

In-home care providers themselves  must also meet certain eligibility criteria, such as being registered with the government for CCS and meeting certain safety and quality standards. Providers must undergo a rigorous assessment process to ensure they meet the standards, which include:

 

- A criminal history check for all adults in the workforce

- Obeying all local,state and federal laws

- A home safety check to ensure the home is safe and suitable for children

- A minimum level of training and qualifications for the provider

- A maximum number of children in care at any one time

- Regular monitoring and assessment to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards

 

The IHC program has a long history in Australia, dating back to  1999.

In 2007 our CEO sat on  the Senate Steeing Committee that wrote the In home Childcare Standards.  The program has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of families, and has been subject to various reviews and reforms. In recent years, the government has increased funding for the program and expanded eligibility criteria to ensure more families can access the support they need.

 

Overall, the In Home Care program provides an important service for families who require flexible and personalized childcare options. Families should check their eligibility and apply for the program through the government's MyGov website.