Government health services and support
My First Health Record
Following the birth of babies parents are given a record to document the baby’s early health and development milestones. When filled in regularly, this provides a record of the child’s health history. It also includes a developmental checklist to help identify any developmental problems early.
If a child under five years of age is placed with you, your care team will give you the child’s My First Health Record, if possible. If it’s missing or unavailable, you can get a new one from your local child health care centre, hospital, or ask your care team. If the child returns home or moves to another placement, send their "My First Health Record" with them.
You play an important role in making sure the "My First Health Record" book is kept up to date. You can find more information about First Health Records in your state or territory using these links.
- NSW Blue Book
- QLD Red Book
- WA Purple Book
- SA Blue Book
- VIC My health, Learning & Development Book
- NT Yellow Book
Medicare card
The care team will apply for a new Medicare card number when a child is placed in out of home care. You can still access medical services or prescriptions and receive reimbursement for medical services while waiting for a new card.
Doctors who bulk bill can obtain the child’s card number directly from Medicare. Alternatively, if you pay for a Medicare service for a child contact Medicare to be paid the Medicare benefit.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) makes certain medications available at subsidised rates. If the child in your care requires a PBS medication, provide their Medicare card number to the pharmacist so they can confirm the child’s eligibility for the subsidy.
You can read more about dental and orthodontic care here.
Child Dental Benefits Schedule
The Australian government provides financial support for basic dental services to children aged between 2 and 17 who are eligible for Medicare and who are supported by a government payment such as the Family Tax Benefit Part A or the Youth Allowance, either directly or through their carer.
Benefits for basic dental services are capped at $1,000 per child over two consecutive calendar years and cover a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals, extractions and partial dentures.
Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital. Services provided under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule will not count towards the Medicare Safety Net or the Extended Medicare Safety Net thresholds.