Understanding SSRC in NSW: What Families Need to Know
SSRC in NSW: What Families Need to Know
If your child has complex needs and you are struggling to manage at home, not because you do not love them, but because you are exhausted, Specialised Substitute Residential Care might be worth understanding. It is not as complicated as it sounds, and it is not what most people assume when they hear “residential care.”
What SSRC Actually Is
Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) is a short-term, voluntary arrangement where a child or young person aged 5 to 17 stays outside the family home overnight, with a trained care provider, for three or more nights in any seven-day period. It is designed for children who need intensive care or behaviour support, or whose care is funded by the NDIS.
The most important things to understand:
- It is voluntary. You, as the parent, initiate it. No court order is involved.
- You keep parental responsibility throughout the arrangement.
- It sits completely outside the statutory child protection system. There is no ROSH report required. No DCJ involvement.
- It is for respite and support, not as a consequence of any failure.
SSRC was created on 1 September 2022, replacing the former Voluntary Out-of-Home Care (VOOHC) framework. It is regulated by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) in NSW.
Source: ocg.nsw.gov.au: About SSRC
Who SSRC Is For
SSRC is for families in NSW where a child or young person has high support needs that are difficult to sustain in a family home environment alone. This most commonly includes children with:
- Complex disability-related behaviours
- NDIS plans that fund overnight or intensive support
- Situations where regular respite helps the family sustain the caring relationship long-term
It can be used for short planned respite stays or as a more regular arrangement, depending on what your family needs.
How Long Can SSRC Last?
There are two important thresholds to know:
- 90 days in a 12-month period: At this point, care must be provided with or supervised by an accredited designated agency. Good providers will start planning for this around the 60-day mark, ask about this when you are choosing a provider.
- 180 days in a 12-month period: A formal case plan is required.
Source: ocg.nsw.gov.au: SSRC Supervision and Care
The Legal Framework
SSRC is governed by the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 and the Children’s Guardian Regulation 2022, which established the SSRC framework on 1 September 2022. The Children’s Guardian Amendment Act 2025 (assented 15 August 2025) strengthened consultation obligations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and introduced a new Code of Practice for designated agencies from 1 October 2025.
Source: ocg.nsw.gov.au/legislation
What to Ask an SSRC Provider
Before you commit to any arrangement, ask the provider:
- Are you registered on the SSRC Register with the OCG?
- Have you completed the Child Safe Self-assessment?
- What is your process when a placement approaches the 90-day threshold?
- How do you communicate with families during placements?
- What does a typical stay look like for a child with my child’s needs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSRC the same as foster care?
No. SSRC is short-term, voluntary, and specifically for children with complex needs or NDIS funding. Foster care is a long-term arrangement. SSRC gives families temporary relief, not a replacement.
How long does SSRC last?
SSRC is short-term by design. It typically runs for days or weeks at a time depending on the child’s needs and what the family agrees to. It is not a permanent arrangement.
Who pays for SSRC?
SSRC is funded through the NDIS for eligible children. The cost is covered by the child’s NDIS plan, so families do not pay out of pocket for an approved placement.
Greater Support Provides SSRC in NSW
Greater Support offers SSRC services for children and young people aged 5 to 17 across NSW. We understand how much courage it takes to reach out for this kind of support. If you want to have a genuine conversation about whether SSRC is right for your family, we are here. No judgment. No pressure. Contact us today.
