What is In Home Care?

In Home Care is a little-known service that has actually been operating for 15 years!!

In Home Care is targeted towards providing greater flexibility and choice in child care arrangements for families. Families must meet strict eligibility criteria to access In-Home Care. In Home Care places are capped and many services are operating a waiting list.

The eligibility for In Home Care is limited to families who cannot be cared for by other child care services or whose circumstances mean that an existing child care service cannot meet their needs

and

To whom one or more of the following applies:

The child has, or lives with another child who has, an illness or a disability
The child’s guardian (or guardian’s partner) has an illness or disability that affects their ability to care for the child
The child lives in a rural or remote area
The work hours of the child’s guardian (or guardian’s partner) are hours when no other approved child care service is available
The child’s guardian (or guardian’s partner) is caring for three or more children who have not yet started school.

Families accessing In Home Care are eligible to apply for the Child Care Benefit – an Australian Government means tested subsidy for parents to reduce the cost of childcare. The Child Care Rebate pays up to 50% of your out-of-pocket expenses for child care up to an annual cap.

In Home Care is a VERY valuable child care service that may be small in size but is a much needed service for those that access it.

Case Study 1

Eligibility: Child with a disability

The Scott* family have accessed In Home Care since 2007. The family have 3 children – one with cerebral palsy. During this time they have maintained the services of the one continuous Educator. The continuity of care provision has not only been imperative for the children’s growth and development but it has also provided the family with peace of mind knowing that all the children are well cared for while work, school and family commitments keep both parents busy.

The educator works with the family every morning and every afternoon during school term. He helps to manage the morning routine of getting everyone off to school with as little stress as possible. The afternoon schedule of after-school activities, appointments and homework runs smoothly right through to dinner time.

During the vacation care period the Educator works longer days to be able to provide care for all three children since they are not at school. In Home Care is the only service that is able to do this. The educator takes advantage of the longer days by taking all three children on excursions to the beach, local park and even to the movies.

Name’s have been changed for privacy purposes

Case Study 2

Eligibility: Parent works shift work

The Johnson* Family have accessed In Home Care since 2010. The family is a single mum with 2 school aged children. The mum used to rely on extended family to care for her children while she went to work as a police officer. These shifts were based on a rotating roster and changed frequently. Due to work commitments the Johnson family were moved away from their extended family and the mum was now reliant on a strict 6am to 6pm child care option. In 2010 the family enrolled in In Home Care – they met with an educator who was able to provide the flexible care that the family required based on the rotating roster. The children are able to be cared for in their own home, sleep in their own beds and wake up after an uninterrupted nights sleep. Meanwhile the mum can go to work knowing that her children are safe at home with the educator.

Case Study 3

Eligibility: Parent caring for three or more children under school age

The Bean* Family have accessed In Home Care since 2012. This will be their last year with the service because the twins will be going to school next year and the family will no longer meet the eligibility criteria. The family consists of both parents working full time and five children – 9yr, 7yr, 3yr twins and 2 yr old. The educator is able to provide:

continuous care for all the children without them having to access a number of different services
before and after school drop off
routines and programs for before and after school in the family home