What are the first steps I need to take so my child can stay at a student house?

1. Talk with your child and see if he or she is willing to take the challenge to come to Perth.
2. Talk about the issues of opportunities, education and living away from home with your child and other members of your family.
3. Make sure your child's wish to come to Perth to study is what he or she really wants to do.

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What are the next steps?

Once you have full support from your child and your family go to the next steps:

4. Make an appointment with the child's local school teacher and/or guidance officer and talk to them about coming to Perth. It is a good idea to take a copy of the child's school report to this meeting.
5. The school teacher and/or guidance officer will help you and your child choose subjects and a the right school in Perth. Encourage your child to talk about future job prospects with the teacher or guidance officer when choosing the school and subjects.
6. Contact the school in Perth to which you would like to send your child and ask the school to hold a place for them.
7. Complete all the forms necessary for enrolment in school, payment of ABSTUDY, accommodation with us at ASAS etc.
8. Make a copy of your child's latest school report.
9. Find out if your child is eligible for the full living away from home allowance. Contact your local Centrelink office and talk with them about ABSTUDY (or phone 13 23 17). 

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