funding & reporting for children's services
Services which receive DoCS funding through its must provide an Annual Service Plan and Reporting Document (ASPARD).
This reports on achievements in the past year and outlines planning for the following year.
why is an ASPARD required?
ASPARDs are used to account for public money, to determine funding for the following year, to monitor quality and help with planning, and to guide the development of improved policies.
-
accountability
Funds provided through DoCS are public funds that DoCS is accountable for. By extension, organisations contracted with DoCS to provide particular services are obligated under DoCS' Service Agreements to make an official report on the spending of that money. -
to ensure further funding
All ASPARDs are assessed by the Children’s Services Adviser (CSA) as part of DoCS' assessment processes, to support our recommendation of continuation of funding. -
quality and planning
Your ASPARD is a useful tool both for your own service and for DoCS in reviewing which aspects of your service are going well and which need support. Likewise, the structure of the ASPARD helps you plan effectively for the coming year, and helps DoCS develop “macro” plans for all services across the state. -
policy development
The information from the ASPARDs is also valuable in informing policy development and planning for the program both at the statewide and local levels. Having access to such information is vital in enabling debate on current and emerging issues and in progressing improvements for children, families and services.
There are three variations of the ASPARD for each of the funding categories within the Children’s Services Program:
- Licensed Early Childhood Services
- Early Childhood Projects
- Vacation Care Services.
These will be sent to you each year in hard copy.
supporting children with additional needs (SCAN)
Funding is available to help DoCS funded preschools and childcare services support children with additional needs.
Funding may be used to provide specialist training for staff, employ a support worker, improve resources, or buy equipment or books that are suitable for children with additional needs.
See more about SCAN funding.
