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MRM Care Consultant is a registered Specialised Substitute Residential Care (‘SSRC’)
provider. The regulatory scheme is a recent addition to the wide range of services available
to families across New South Wales. It enshrines much of the policies and regulations which
govern the care provided to children from approved service providers.
Our strict adherence to the SSRC Code of Practice and legislation such as the Children’s
Guardian Act 2019 (NSW) enables our care to be guided in a way that prioritises and
maintains the best interest and safety of the child.
What is the SSRC?
The SSRC provides a framework for parents and guardians to arrange with a registered
provider for their child to have overnight respite care and behavioural support for 3 or more
nights in a 7-day period outside of the family (registered) home in NSW.1 Support may also
be funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Supports delivered under the SSRC may take place in many forms. It may be used in a one-
off instance where an emergency has occurred, and it can take place on a regular basis and
in long-term care. We note that residential programs can also be equipped to foster changes
in attitudes and behaviours such as alcohol and other drug rehabilitation programs.
Is the SSRC replacing Voluntary Out of Home Care?
In short, yes. The SSRC’s new and fundamental framework provides that the Voluntary Out
of Home Care (‘VOOHC’) will be replaced. This is due to the regulatory Child Safe Scheme’s
efforts in trying to:
• Reduce regulatory duplication
• Making obligations clearer
• Applying a risk-based approach to monitoring and enforcement.
Mandatory requirements outlined in the Child Safe Code of Practice will still deem prior
standards found in the VOOHC as relevant and valid. However, the new mechanism allows
for organisations to complete self-assessments – guiding entities in meeting compliance and Child Safe Standards.
Want to see the SSRC in action?
We prioritise the promotion of transparency and compliance. So, we are allowing access to
our Child Safe Policies and Code of Conduct.
Just email our SSRC Co-ordinator on Lafaele@mrmcareconsult.org for your copy.
Written By
Lafaele Veukiso,
Specialised Substitute Residential Care Co-ordinator.
Resources
1 https://ocg.nsw.gov.au/organisations/specialised-substitute-residential-care
2 Ibid.
2019/specialised-
substitute#:~:text=From%201%20September%202022%2C%20changes%20to%20the%20Children%E2%80%99 s,will%20be%20regulated%20under%20the%20Child%20Safe%20Scheme.
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