[1]. What is a care giver?
[2]. Why does my child need a care giver?
[3]. Does my child need a care giver if he is living with me?
[4]. What is CAAW and who issues this?
[5]. My child will be living in a homestay, does he still need a care giver?
[6]. What does a care giver do?


[1]. What is a care giver?

A care giver or a care giver service also known as a guardian, is a person or an organization who provides care and support for a student who is under 18.


[2]. Why does my child need a care giver?

If your child is under 18 years of age and intends to study in Australia, the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires that appropriate accommodation and welfare arrangements are organized before a student visa is issued. Where an under 18 student lives in Australia without a parent or custodian, DIAC requires that the welfare arrangement including appointment of a care giver is done through the education provider.

For more information please visit:
http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm#e

[3]. Does my child need a care giver if he is living with me?

If the under 18 student will be living in Australia with a parent or nominated relative (link to approved relative) the student will not be required to have a care giver. Parent(s) and nominated relative must submit relevant documents as requested DIAC.

For more information please visit:
http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm#c


[4]. What is CAAW and who issues this?

CAAW stands for "Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare". This Confirmation Letter is issued by the education provider if they are satisfied that an under 18 student will be living in an appropriate accommodation and has appointed a care giver.


[5]. My child will be living in a homestay, does he still need a care giver?

Some education providers would approve a homestay as a care giver, however most institutions require the student to live in an approved accommodation as well as appointing an approved care giver. It also helps overcome the issue of a conflict of interest when a care giver is independent of school or homestay.


[6]. What does a care giver do?

A care giver is responsible for an under 18 student's welfare, especially outside of school hours. A care giver needs to know the student's whereabouts at any time. Some education providers expect the students to obtain permission for any overnight stay including camps and interstate trips from their care giver while others are very strict in not allowing any overnight stay or interstate trips.