Mental Health Fund and Menu

7. Allowable spend on Menu programs

Programs on the Menu

Menu programs vary in category, cost, duration, target audience and delivery method. Schools must take these factors into consideration when planning their use of the Fund.

Department-funded programs are free for schools; however, some programs may have associated implementation costs such as time release for staff (including CRT) or specific ways the Fund can support implementation of the program.

Program implementation and detailed costs are outlined on each program’s Menu webpage, which can be found by searching the Schools Mental Health Menu.

Menu providers may also bundle expenses for learning resources, travel, accommodation or catering (refer to Food and catering for more information) into a single invoice for the school.

If these expenses are consistent with the detailed cost outlined on the program Menu webpage, the school may use one of the above account codes for the entire cost of the Menu program, rather than selecting different account codes for each line item.

Casual Relief Teachers to support program implementation

Schools may choose to use the Fund to engage a Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) to support Menu program implementation through time release for existing staff to attend professional learning by a Menu provider or engaging in planning or the implementation of a Menu item.

Additionally, CRT release can be funded for the implementation of some department-funded programs. Refer to Department-funded programs on the Menu for more information.

It is only appropriate for schools to use their Fund on CRT when backfill is necessary for school staff to engage in activities related to the Menu.

Schools must comply with the Casual Relief Teachers policy when spending the Fund on CRT.

Staff travel, meals and accommodation

Some Menu programs may require staff to travel to locations other than the school. Staff travel, meals and accommodation may be covered by the Fund if:

• required for staff to implement an approved Menu program
• staff comply with the department’s Travel policy
• claims comply with the Australia Taxation Office’s (ATO) Reasonable Travel and Overtime Meal Allowance 2025/26.

The Fund may not be used for travel, meals and accommodation in the following circumstances:

• Menu provider travel, meals and accommodation (see menu provider for specific costs) for information on how to process Menu provider travel expenses)
• student travel, meals or accommodation
• catering or food within the school (refer to Food and catering)
• travel, meals or accommodation expenses which are not required for the implementation of an approved Menu program
• travel, meals or accommodation which do not comply with the department’s Travel policy and the ATO’s Reasonable Travel and Overtime Meal Allowance.

Equipment, furniture and digital resources

Any physical or digital resources that can be purchased using the Fund are listed on each program’s Menu webpage and must be purchased directly from the provider.

If an item is not listed on a provider’s Menu webpage, the Fund cannot be used to purchase the item(s).

Other resources that cannot be purchased using the Fund include:

• posters, banners or advertising including Facebook advertisements
• any construction, ground works, equipment or furniture including for a wellbeing or sensory space
• sensory, fidget or weighted items and activities including diffusers, brain break equipment and headphones/earmuffs
• non-Menu activities or games including sports equipment, board games, cards, puzzles, pool noodles or Lego
• electronics or related equipment such as computers, speakers, Apple pencils or iPads, printers, headphones, mobile phone handset and usage costs
• photocopying or stationary including gift cards, wellbeing books, journals or cards
• psychology testing materials or resources (for example, WISC)
• digital memberships or access to apps not on the Menu including Canva subscriptions and the Calm app
• audio visual equipment or production costs.

For information on using the Fund to purchase wellbeing dogs, refer to Wellbeing dogs and associated costs.

Food and catering

The Fund must not be spent on food or catering, even if the catering is purchased in relation to implementation of an approved Menu program. Schools should review the department’s Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality policy for more information.

Some programs organise catering for participants and incorporate these costs into their program cost. In these cases, catering is organised by the Menu provider, listed as a cost on their Menu webpage and paid for through the provider.

Wellbeing dogs and associated costs

Purchasing a wellbeing dog

Schools purchasing a wellbeing dog through a Menu provider must also comply with the school’s and department’s policy, procedures and guidelines including the Animals – Wellbeing and Engagement policy and the relevant school council agreements:

• School council agreement – wellbeing and engagement animal handler (school-owned) (DOCX) (staff login required)
• School council agreement – wellbeing and engagement animal handler (staff-owned) (DOCX) (staff login required).

Use of the Fund for costs associated with wellbeing dogs

The Fund can be used for maintenance, care and implementation costs associated with a wellbeing dog providing the below conditions are met:

• the wellbeing dog has been purchased through an approved Menu provider, either Dogs Connect or Guide Dogs Victoria
• the wellbeing dog has been purchased using the appropriate Purchase Order template
• the Schools Mental Health Fund has been used to purchase the wellbeing dog
• the school holds ownership of the dog and has completed the appropriate Wellbeing Animals agreement.

Provided the purchase of the wellbeing dog meets all conditions listed, associated costs it is appropriate to use the Fund on may include:

• Menu provider dog training or staff handler training. These services can be accessed through Menu providers Dogs Connect and Lead the Way
• vet appointments, vaccinations and medications
• dog food
• grooming
• pet insurance
• harness, lead, jacket
• beds, crate, travel items, toys and enrichment items
• similar items associated with maintenance, care and implementation of a wellbeing dog in the school.

Note that Menu programs can be purchased to train a wellbeing dog that has been purchased using another source of funding. However associated care and ownership costs cannot be purchased using the Fund under these circumstances. In addition, training or care cannot be purchased using the Fund if a dog is personally owned by a staff member, even if the dog is present at the school.