1) What types of resources can be purchased with Early Intervention funds?
Resources that have been assessed by a Panel Provider as being integral to the child’s therapy can be purchased with early intervention funding. The resource must support the child’s Individual Service Plan. Both the family and the Panel Provider must sign a Client Consent Form prior to the purchase of a resource.
2) Who determines what resources are appropriate for a child?
A Panel Provider is responsible for making a professional assessment of whether or not a particular resource is integral to the child’s therapy. However, the Panel Provider and family must agree prior to the purchase of a resource.
3) Who can purchase a resource?
A resource can be purchased by the Panel Provider who is delivering early intervention to the child, or by the child’s family. If the purchase is made by the family, a receipt of that purchase must be provided to the Panel Provider. The Panel Provider must reimburse the family.
If the purchase is made by a Panel Provider, the family must sign a Service Delivery Record on receipt of the resource.
If the Panel Provider who is delivering intervention to a child or that child’s family is unable to purchase the required resources, another Panel Provider can purchase the resources on their behalf.
4) How much early intervention funding can be used to purchase resources?
Up to 35 per cent of a child’s early intervention funding may be used to purchase resources, to a maximum of $2,100 per financial year, or $4,200 in total. Claims for reimbursement that exceed this limit must not be submitted.
5) Can I use early Intervention funding to hire resources?
Funding for early intervention resources can be used for the purchase of resources only. Costs associated with the hiring of resources must be met by the family.
6) How do I claim for funding for the purchase of a resource?
Only Panel Providers can claim payment for the purchase of a resource. This can be done through FOFMS under the Case Claims Tab. A claim in FOFMS must include the intervention ‘type’ and a description of the resource.
7) Who do I contact for further information about resource guidelines?
Please direct questions about early intervention funding for resources to ASD.Support@fahcsia.gov.au or the HCWA Helpline on 1800 778 581.