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Flexible Funding

Flexible Funding

PCA Families distributes government funding to eligible families to help meet the needs of a child in their care (from 0-18 years old).  The funding should promote the child's attachment and continuity of care and help address matters arising from abuse or neglect (trauma). The funding can only be considered when all other funding options have been exhausted (including allowances and grants). The flexible funding program is jointly delivered by PCA Families and OzChild, supported by a consortium of other agencies.

Flexible funding is available to apply for things like:

  • Cognitive assessments, specialist appointments & related therapies
  • Therapy (counselling, psychology, art, play, equine etc.)
  • Health related costs
  • Costs associated with birth family contact
  • School related costs
  • Tutoring
  • Extra-curricular activities. 

All applications will be assessed accordingly.

Flexible Funding Application Form

Through the PCA Families portal you can create and submit a Flexi Funding application and view the status of applications you have submitted. The steps are outlined below.

Login to the portal by accessing the teal "Portal" button on the website. 

Portal button arrow

 

Next select the orange "Flexi Funding Form" button within the portal.

InkedPortal Flexi Funding Form with arrow 2

 

Add your children's details as you complete the form. 

Alternatively select the "My Flexible Funding Children" tab and add children's details there.

In either case children's details are stored for all future applications.

Warnings appear in purple if it appears your child may not be eligible and prompts you to contact us.

You can start and save the form if you do not have all the information you need.

Use the "My Forms" tab to return to a draft form or check on the status of previous applications.

If you unable to submit the form, check for “warning” messages in purple about missing information. 

 

 

If you need assistance completing the flexible funding form, which is available online once you have become a PCA Families member and logged into the PCA Families portal, please review our Youtube recording tips (how to create and submit a flexible funding application, add children and access information about applications you have submitted).

You can also get help by contacting us at  or call 03 9020 1833 and choose option 3, Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm.

You can also access a free advocacy and forms service called PRACE to assist you with completing these forms - see here  

Costs Not Covered By Other Funding Sources

You can only claim for the cost of the service, product, or activity that is not covered by another funding source.

Other Government or agency funded sources would include those provided by DFFH care allowance, education and medical allowances, NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), Mental Health Care Plans, or another agency such as Kinship Care Victoria.Those organisations will specify how those funds are to be spent.

 For example, the DFFH care allowance is provided to assist with the cost of:

  • accommodation, clothing, food, utilities, telephone and internet
  • basic personal items for the child such as toiletries and toothbrush
  • transport required as part of a regular routine, including to and from school, professional appointments and access where appropriate
  • entertainment, social activities and other things – pocket money, hobbies and club memberships, outings, toys, photos, gifts, treats.

Refer here to the DFFH care allowance fact sheet for further information.

Other Funding Sources

Photo Financial

There are a variety of other funding sources, including:

  • financial support for educational needs
  • Government allowances, subsidies, payments or benefits
  • grants, scholarships and other funds or schemes.

Some of the ways families have been supported by flexible funding

  • Helped my child build confidence and self-esteem
  • Helped my child build personal and interpersonal skills
  • Helped my child access support services so he/she can be happy and healthy
  • Helped improve interpersonal dynamics within our family
  • Helped improve my family’s understanding of the impact of trauma on children
  • Provided my child with opportunities to have fun, engage more effectively at school, develop and learn
  • Allowed my child to try new things and pursue their goals
  • Allowed my child to connect with peers and make new or strengthen existing friendships
  • Helped improve my child’s ability to manage what comes his/her way and be resilient
  • Helped my child to prepare for life after school
  • Helped my child relate to other family members and maintain contact with biological family
  • Helped me to build my relationship with my child
  • Helped me to manage what comes my way and stay resilient
  • Reduced financial and family stress, making things easier and more doable at home
  • Helped my child develop water safety and swimming skills
  • Enabled child to participate in team or other sports
  • Allowed child to participate in cultural or fun activities.

‘‘I am so blown away with the support that is there for not just my family but for other families that are permanent carers or adoptive parents. The staff have been amazing and it is so good to know that there is not only financial support but support for the carers, someone to talk to and someone to let you know what you can do for our beautiful grandchildren.’’

Privacy

PCA Families recognise the importance of protecting the privacy and the rights of individuals in relation to their personal information. Our privacy policy tells you how we collect and manage your personal information. Access our Privacy Policy here.