Day-to-day care
Every parent and carer knows that family life is full of decisions, big and small. As a carer, there will be some everyday decisions you can make independently, and some that need the approval of your caseworker or agency.
Travel plans and expenses
Day-to-day travel
You’re expected to organise and pay for, or provide, day-to-day transport for the child or young person in your care. This includes transport to school, activities, general medical appointments, dental visits and case meetings.
Travel within NSW
You don’t need approval to travel within NSW if it doesn’t interfere with the child’s schooling or planned time with family (family contact). Tell your caseworker if you’re going to be away overnight so they know the child’s whereabouts.
Interstate travel
You don’t need approval to take the child on an interstate day trip. However, you do have to get approval f if you’re planning to stay overnight or longer. Your caseworker will contact DCJ for consent to travel interstate for more than one day.
Holidays and family contact
When planning holidays try where possible try to avoid disruption to time with family (family contact).
Overseas travel
You need approval before taking a child or young person overseas. Talk to your caseworker as early as you can as they will need to prepare a submission for DCJ on your behalf that includes reasons for the travel, views of the child and their parents, impact on the child’s routine (including the impact on contact with family and kin), supervision of the child, financial arrangements and any other relevant matters. Once a decision is made, you’ll receive a letter telling you whether approval has been granted or denied, and any conditions or restrictions on the travel arrangements. If approval is granted, you’ll then receive a letter of authority to travel with the child or young person. Their parents will also be advised if the travel is approved.
Applying for a passport
Your caseworker will apply for a passport on behalf of the child or young person. To avoid delays and disappointment, let your caseworker know well in advance if you’re planning to travel overseas. It can take up to 12 months to get a passport for a child in care. This is because your caseworker has to get the consent of each person who holds parental responsibility for the child, or with a right to contact under a court order, before a passport can be issued.