All reasonable steps to meet social obligations

There may be some situations where a client or their partner (if any) can't comply with their social obligations for reasons beyond their control. You can accept that a client has taken all reasonable steps to comply if they:

• have made a commitment to meet their social obligations at a more appropriate time and
• are working towards addressing any barriers they are facing

Every client's situation is different and what may be a barrier to meeting social obligations for one family may not be for another.

The decision about whether a client is taking all reasonable steps to comply is made by the Ministry of Social Development.

Below are some of the situations you should take into account when considering that the client is taking all reasonable steps:

• Shared care issues in the family or family court proceedings occurring

The parent who is not the principal caregiver does not support their child having to attend recognised early childhood education programmes. It would not be reasonable for the client to be held responsible for the actions of someone else.

• Family violence or safety concerns in the family

A client discloses family violence or they have safety concerns for the child.

• Supply or availability issues

A child is on a waiting list for:

• an early childhood education programme or
• a medical centre and the client has a plan or commitment to ensure their child can access primary health care if it is required
• Additional costs of participation or engagement may put the client in hardship

The travel costs or additional early childhood education programme costs associated with attendance would cause hardship to the family.

• The child has a health condition, injury or disability

A child has an injury or behavioural problems meaning that it would not be reasonable to expect them to participate in an approved programme either temporarily or permanently.

• Family has recently moved to a new area

The family has recently moved and is in the process of establishing networks.

For more information see:

• Social obligations
• Monitoring compliance with social obligations
• Recognised early childhood education programmes