Making Contact

Step 1 - Making contact

The first step in the restored Better Start pathway was to contact the Better Start Registration and Information Service. Families used this step to ask whether the programme was relevant to their child, find out what documents were needed, and make an appointment for an eligibility assessment.

• Phone 1800 242 636
• Email: caa@carersaustralia.com.au

A Better Start Registration and Information Service Adviser would make an appointment time for an assessment of the child's eligibility for the Better Start initiative. The adviser could also explain what evidence to prepare and where to find state-based support.

Before the appointment

Families generally needed to gather proof of the child's age, written diagnosis information, residential details, and any relevant Centrelink customer reference number. Preparing these details early helped the assessment and registration step move more smoothly.

Next page: Assessment and Registration. You can also return to Steps to Better Start or read the registration information page.

What to prepare before making contact

Before contacting a support service, write down the child's diagnosis, age, state or territory, current providers, and the question you need answered. If the enquiry is about an old Better Start record, include any registration number, letter date, or provider invoice details you still have.

For nearby pages in the restored pathway, continue to Assessment and Registration, Referral, or Contact Better Start.