What is Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC)? A guide for NSW families

June 5, 2026|Youth and Family Support

A parent and child holding hands together, representing warm family support

In short: Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) is a short-term, voluntary arrangement where a child or young person receives safe care away from their usual home for three or more nights in any seven-day period. In New South Wales it is used for respite, behaviour support, or where care is funded by the NDIS. SSRC providers are regulated by the Office of the Children’s Guardian and must meet the Child Safe Standards.

Key takeaways

SSRC is short-term and voluntary care away from the family home — three or more nights in any seven-day period.
It’s used for respite, behaviour support, or where care is NDIS-funded.
Providers are regulated under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 and must meet the Child Safe Standards and the SSRC Code of Practice.
The Office of the Children’s Guardian oversees the sector and keeps a register of providers.
The goal is always to support the child and strengthen the family — not to replace it.
Greater Support provides SSRC for children and young people aged 5–17 in NSW.

What is SSRC?

Specialised Substitute Residential Care, or SSRC, is an arrangement between a family and an organisation for a child or young person to receive care away from their usual home for three or more nights in any seven-day period.

It’s short-term and voluntary. The aim is always to support the child and strengthen the family — never to replace it.

When is SSRC used?

SSRC is used in a few specific situations:

for respite — giving a family a planned break,
for behaviour support in a safe, structured setting, or
where the care is funded by the NDIS.

It can be a steadying hand during a stressful or changing season — a way to take the pressure off while keeping the child safe, settled and supported.

How is SSRC kept safe?

Because SSRC involves caring for children away from home, it’s carefully regulated. In NSW, providers must follow:

the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 and the Children’s Guardian Regulation 2022,
the Child Safe Standards, and
the SSRC Code of Practice.

The Office of the Children’s Guardian oversees the sector. It keeps a register of approved providers and monitors how long children spend in care, so extra support can be offered to a family, or longer-term planning put in place, whenever that’s needed.

For families, that oversight is reassurance: the people caring for your child are checked, accountable, and held to a high standard.

Who can use SSRC?

SSRC can be the right support when a parent or carer needs planned respite, when a child or young person benefits from focused behaviour support in a safe setting, or when an NDIS plan includes funding for this kind of care. Greater Support provides SSRC for children and young people aged 5 to 17 in NSW.

Frequently asked questions

What does SSRC stand for?

SSRC stands for Specialised Substitute Residential Care — short-term care for a child or young person away from their usual home.

How many nights is SSRC?

SSRC applies when a child receives care away from home for three or more nights in any seven-day period.

Is SSRC the same as foster care?

No. SSRC is short-term and voluntary, arranged between a family and a provider, usually for respite, behaviour support, or NDIS-funded care. It’s designed to support the family, not replace it.

Who regulates SSRC in NSW?

The Office of the Children’s Guardian regulates SSRC under the Children’s Guardian Act 2019, and providers must meet the Child Safe Standards and the SSRC Code of Practice.

How Greater Support helps

We provide Specialised Substitute Residential Care for children and young people aged 5 to 17 in NSW. Our focus is simple: safe, warm, respectful care that puts the child first and supports the whole family.

We know reaching out for this kind of help can feel like a big step. There’s no judgement here, only support. We’ll listen, explain your options clearly, and walk through it with you.

If your family could use a hand with youth and family support, or you’re a worker looking to make a referral, reach out to our team. We’re here, and we’re ready to help.

Last updated: June 2026. This article is general information only and reflects the SSRC framework in NSW as at June 2026. For official guidance, see the Office of the Children’s Guardian (ocg.nsw.gov.au), or speak with us about your situation. Written by the Greater Support team — disability, aged care, youth and family support.