Community Costs : Contents
Childcare costs
MSD can include childcare costs in the assessment of Community Costs. For example where a dependent child is:
- placed in the care of a temporary caregiver or
- resides with the parent in the treatment programme and there is a charge for childcare assistance
However, MSD must include any payments gotten on behalf of the child, for example family tax credit, Best Start tax credit and Childcare Assistance as income, in the assessment of Community Costs.
As a guide to what is a reasonable cost for childcare where the child is being cared for in the community by a temporary caregiver, use the appropriate rate of Unsupported Child's Benefit.
Care and protection concerns
If MSD believes any child has been, or is likely to be harmed (physically, emotionally or sexually), ill-treated, abused, neglected, deprived or MSD has concerns about the wellbeing of the child, the case must be referred to Oranga Tamariki.
For more information see:
Legislation
- schedule clause 2(d) Community Costs Programme
