5.4 DEBT MANAGEMENT

DATED: November 2005

SOURCED: Eleni McDermott, 2005, Family Day Care Business: Preparing for Business, A Carer’s Guide to Family Day Care

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POLICY

Carers have a right to be paid promptly.

PROCEDURE

In the event of a debt developing the Carer will seek payment in the first instance.

If desired, the Coordination Unit will assist Carers to recover the debt.

If the Carer wishes to follow up the debt and requires further assistance:

• Carer contacts the Coordination Unit
• Coordinator to contact the family by phone and/or in writing to attempt to recover the debt
• If unsuccessful, the Carer will be informed
• The Carer then has the option of utilizing the services of a debt collection agency
• The Carer to advise the Coordination Unit of the outcome so that records can be adjusted

If an outstanding debt exists with a Carer, and the family requests another placement with the scheme, the Coordinator will:

• Advise the parent that the debt must be cleared prior to placement and failure to do so will result in no placement being offered.