The ACT Carers Register Update supports the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) in delivering services under the Protecting Australia’s Children – Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 (Safe and Supported) appropriation.

Overview

This grant opportunity is for a one-off, ad hoc grant. The purpose is to enable the ACT Government HCSD to improve supports for non-parent carers through an improved and enhanced carers register for the ACT. This initiative aligns with recommendations 8.17-8.19 and 8.21-8.23 from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

The funding will allow the ACT Government to strengthen the initial carer suitability assessment and ongoing monitoring of carer suitability. These proposed changes are intended to enhance HCSD capability and confidence in ensuring that engaged carers are suitable to work with vulnerable children and young people. The effort also contributes to the outcomes of Safe and Supported, which aims to reduce the rate of child abuse and neglect and its intergenerational impacts through collaboration among the Australian Government, state and territory governments, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, and the non-government sector.

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive a grant, the applicant must be the invited organisation listed in the Grant Opportunity Guidelines and must have received an invitation to apply for this grant opportunity. Furthermore, applicants must:

• Be a legal entity capable of entering into a legally binding agreement.
• Possess an Australian Business Number.
• Maintain an Australian bank account.

Funding and Benefits

The grant is intended to support the delivery of services under the Protecting Australia’s Children – Safe and Supported: The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031 appropriation.

Application Process

Submission is by invitation only.

Deadline and Timeline

Close Date & Time: 11-May-2026 9:00 pm (ACT Local Time)

Publish Date: 5-May-2026

GO ID: GO8396

Contact Information

For inquiries, the Children and Youth Policy Branch can be contacted via:

• Email Address: childandyouthinitiatives@dss.gov.au
• Web Address: https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/contact-us