SSRC for children and young people
Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC)
We view SSRC not as a “temporary stay,” but as a curated experience of safety and development for children and young people under 18.
The basics
What Is SSRC?
Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) is a highly regulated, premium framework designed for children and young people (under 18) who require care away from their primary residence for three or more nights. At Indisability Services, we view SSRC not as a “temporary stay,” but as a curated experience of safety and development. Whether the need arises due to complex behavioural requirements, medical necessities, or a planned period of family transition, our SSRC model provides a boutique residential environment that mirrors the warmth of a home while maintaining the precision of a clinical facility.
Safety and oversight
The Legal and Ethical Architecture
The structure of SSRC is governed by the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG) under the NSW Child Safe Scheme. This is a rigorous tier of care that demands the highest level of transparency and compliance. When a child enters our SSRC program, they are entered into a national registry that ensures their wellbeing is monitored by independent authorities. We manage the entire administrative and regulatory burden, from mandatory reporting to safety audits, allowing families to focus solely on their child’s happiness and the peace of mind that comes from professional, registered oversight.
Our methodology
A Life-Enhancing Stay: Our Methodology
Our SSRC stays are structured around the Holistic Growth Model. We don’t just provide a bed; we provide a “Home Away From Home” that is staffed by specialists trained in paediatric disability and trauma-informed care. During their stay, children engage in tailored social activities, skill-building workshops, and therapeutic routines that align with their NDIS goals. We bridge the gap between home life and specialised support, ensuring that every night spent in our care is a step toward greater confidence and personal breakthrough for the young person.
- Trauma-informed, paediatric-trained specialists
- Tailored social activities and skill-building workshops
- Therapeutic routines aligned with NDIS goals
- Support ratios from 1:1 to 1:3
SSRC FAQs
SSRC Intelligence: Frequently Asked Questions
Is SSRC different from standard NDIS Respite (STA)?
Yes. While “Respite” or Short-Term Accommodation (STA) is a broad NDIS category, SSRC is the specific legal classification in NSW when that care exceeds two nights for a minor. It involves much higher levels of regulation, child-safety reporting, and provider accountability to ensure the protection of the child.
Who can authorise an SSRC stay?
The child’s legal guardian is the primary authoriser. However, because we are a registered SSRC provider, we must also notify the Children’s Guardian of the arrangement. This “double layer” of authorisation is what makes SSRC the gold standard for child safety in Australia.
What does the environment look like?
Our SSRC residences are designed to be “Bold and Elegant.” We avoid the “group home” aesthetic, opting instead for modern, high-end residential interiors that are fully accessible but feel like a boutique hotel. This reduces “transfer anxiety” for the child and provides a dignified experience.
What is the ratio of care during an SSRC stay?
We offer various tiers of support, ranging from 1:1 to 1:3, depending on the complexity of the child’s needs. During the “Discover” phase of our 6-D process, we determine the exact level of clinical and social support required to ensure a safe and successful stay.
Can we visit our child during their stay?
Absolute transparency is our policy. We encourage family connection and have flexible visiting arrangements. We view our SSRC service as an extension of your family’s support network, not a replacement for it.
Talk to our SSRC team
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