Child Disability Payment decision making guide
Overlap between attention and supervision
Attention and supervision are two different concepts.
Attention involves personal service that is ‘active’. Supervision is ‘passive’. There may be a need for supervision but it may not lead to the carer having to intervene.
If a carer does intervene, the assistance provided becomes attention. It is important for case managers to appreciate that attention and supervision can therefore overlap.
Liam is 7 years old and is blind. He needs to be supervised because he is at risk of falling or injuring himself. His dad often warns Liam about obstacles such as pieces of furniture or helps to steady him in new environments.
The following can be classed as Liam’s father providing attention:
- actively warning him
- supporting him in new environments
- helping him get up after falling.