What is Statutory Out of Home Care (SSRC) or Voluntary Out of Home Care?

Statutory Out Of Home Care (OOHC) is a form of care provided to children and young people who are deemed to be at risk of harm or neglect, and who cannot live with their families. This care is provided by the state or territory government through the child protection system, and is governed by specific laws and regulations.

Voluntary out of home care is an arrangement between a parent and an organization for their child to receive overnight care away from their usual home.

Children and young people who enter Statutory OOHC are placed in the care of a caregiver who is approved by the government. This caregiver can be a foster carer, a relative or kinship carer, or a residential care worker in a group home. The placement is intended to be temporary, with the goal of either returning the child or young person to their family, or finding a permanent placement such as adoption.

There are a number of reasons why a child or young person may enter Statutory OOHC. These can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect, parental substance abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence, or incarceration of a parent or guardian. Children and young people who enter Statutory OOHC are often considered to be among the most vulnerable in society, and require support and care to address the trauma and harm they have experienced.

The provision of Statutory OOHC is governed by specific laws and regulations in each state and territory of Australia. In most cases, children and young people in Statutory OOHC are subject to regular reviews of their care arrangements, and there are a number of legal and procedural safeguards in place to protect their rights and well-being.

One key feature of Statutory OOHC is that it is intended to be a last resort. Before a child or young person can be placed in Statutory OOHC, efforts will be made to keep them with their families or in the care of extended family or kinship carers. In cases where this is not possible or safe, Statutory OOHC may be considered.

Once a child or young person enters Statutory OOHC, they will receive a range of support and services to address their needs. This may include medical and dental care, education and training, counselling and therapy, and access to cultural and community activities. The government and the caregiver have a shared responsibility to ensure that the child or young person’s needs are met and that their rights are protected.

One of the main goals of Statutory OOHC is to provide a stable and safe environment for children and young people who are unable to live with their families. This stability is crucial for their overall well-being, as it can help to reduce the impact of trauma and instability on their mental health and development.

While Statutory OOHC is intended to be temporary, many children and young people remain in care for extended periods of time. This can result in a range of challenges, including difficulties in forming attachments, disruptions to education, and a sense of displacement and dislocation from their communities and cultural identity. As a result, efforts are made to ensure that children and young people in Statutory OOHC receive appropriate support and statuatory care in Sydney to maintain their connections to their families, communities, and cultural heritage.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of involving children and young people in decisions about their care. This has led to the development of a range of policies and practices aimed at promoting the participation and empowerment of children and young people in Statutory OOHC.

Statutory Out of Home Care may be provided for:

1. Emergency Short Term Accommodation 
2. Scheduled Short Term Accommodation
3. Long Term Residential Care
4. Community Engagement and Access
5. After School Care
6. School Holiday Respite
7. Transport

Who is responsible for Statutory out-of-home care (SSRC) or Voluntary out-of-home care NSW?

Voluntary Out-of-Home Care In NSW, the Office of the Children’s Guardian administers the Voluntary Out-of-Home Care (VOOHC) system under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 and the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Regulation 2012.

Overall, Statutory Out-Of-Home Care is a form of care provided to children and young people who are deemed to be at risk of harm or neglect, and who cannot live with their families. It is a complex and challenging area of child welfare, and requires a range of support and services to ensure that children and young people are provided with a stable, safe, and nurturing environment that meets their needs and protects their rights.

Philips Home care  is a registered Statutory out-of-home care (SSRC) or Voluntary Out-of-Home Care (VOOHC) organisation with the NSW Government and is committed to supporting the safety and wellbeing of the children and young people in our care.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss our services further, please do not hesitate to contact our team. You can get in touch with us at – 1800 571 955 or email us at – ndis@phomecare.com.au