When a child or young person cannot safely stay at home for a period of time, families need more than just a bed for the night – they need a trusted, experienced team who will care for their child as if they were their own. As a Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) and VOOHC registered provider in NSW, P Homecare partners with families, young people, caseworkers and NDIS teams to provide safe, stable and nurturing short‑term care.
We understand that every placement comes at a stressful time. Our role is to reduce the pressure, keep the young person safe, and support them with compassion, consistency and clear communication.
What is Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) in NSW?
Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) is a structured, short‑term care option for children and young people who cannot live at home for a period of time. It is usually arranged by child protection services, case managers, guardians or support coordinators, and delivered by approved, experienced SSRC providers in NSW.
At P Homecare, our SSRC services in Sydney and across NSW focus on:
- Providing a safe, stable home‑like environment
- Supporting emotional and behavioural needs with patience and respect
- Keeping routines as consistent as possible (school, appointments, activities)
- Working closely with family, caseworkers and other professionals
- Planning and preparing for the next steps – whether that is reunification, kinship care, foster care or another safe option
We recognise that each young person has a unique story, culture, faith and identity. Our team takes the time to listen, understand and respond in a way that helps them feel seen, heard and valued.
SSRC Sydney: How P Homecare Supports Young People
As an SSRC provider in Sydney, we offer flexible, responsive specialised substitute residential care for children and young adults who need intensive support.
Our approach includes:
- Individualised support plans
Every young person receives a tailored plan based on their history, needs, strengths, goals and risk factors. This plan is developed with input from the young person (where appropriate), family, NDIS Support Coordinator, caseworkers and other professionals. - Trauma‑aware, person‑centred care
Many young people in SSRC have experienced trauma, instability or loss. Our workers are trained to respond calmly, avoid re‑traumatisation, and build trust over time through consistent, respectful care. - 24/7 staffing and supervision
We provide round‑the‑clock support, including awake‑over staff where needed, to ensure safety and close monitoring, especially during high‑risk periods or transitions. - Health, school and community connection
We help maintain school attendance, manage health appointments, and support participation in positive activities, cultural and faith‑based connections, and community programs.
Specialised Substitute Residential Care Services We Provide
P Homecare offers a range of specialised substitute residential care services in NSW, designed to respond quickly and appropriately when a placement is needed.
Our SSRC services can include:
- Emergency and short‑notice placements
- Planned SSRC placements (short‑term and medium‑term)
- VOOHC (Voluntary Out‑of‑Home Care) for families needing respite or temporary support
- One‑to‑one or two‑to‑one staffing for high‑risk or high‑needs young people
- Support for young people with disability who are also NDIS participants
- Culturally sensitive and faith‑aligned support where requested
Every placement is carefully risk‑assessed, and we ensure that the support team has the right skills, experience and training to meet the young person’s needs.
NDIS Support Coordination and SSRC for Young Adults
Many young adults in SSRC are also NDIS participants who need consistent disability support and clear coordination between systems. At P Homecare, we understand how complex it can be to navigate both NDIS and out‑of‑home‑care supports at the same time.
Our team works closely with NDIS Support Coordinators to:
- Clarify the young person’s NDIS goals and funded supports
- Organise the right mix of core, capacity‑building and therapeutic supports within SSRC
- Coordinate with therapists, behaviour support practitioners and clinicians
- Plan transitions from SSRC into longer‑term housing and support options (such as SIL, STA or supported independent living style arrangements)
- Ensure reporting and updates are timely, clear and aligned with NDIS requirements
By bringing NDIS Support Coordination and specialised residential care together, we help young adults experience more stability, less disruption, and a clearer pathway to independence.
Experienced SSRC Registered VOOHC Providers in NSW
P Homecare is an experienced, registered VOOHC provider in NSW, offering Specialised Substitute Residential Care that is compliant, well‑governed and carefully monitored.
What sets our SSRC and VOOHC services apart:
- Experienced leadership and governance
Our management team understands NSW child protection, out‑of‑home care and NDIS frameworks, and ensures that policies, procedures and safeguards are in place and followed. - Careful staff selection and training
All support workers are screened, reference‑checked and trained in working with children and young people, behavioural support, trauma‑aware practice and incident management. - Clear communication with families and professionals
We provide regular updates, incident reporting and case notes to guardians, caseworkers and NDIS teams, and we respond promptly to concerns or changes in risk. - Focus on long‑term outcomes, not just short‑term placement
Even though SSRC is time‑limited, we always keep the young person’s long‑term wellbeing and goals in mind, helping them build life skills, confidence and stability.
Our goal is to offer families, Support Coordinators and agencies peace of mind, knowing their young person is safe, supported and respected.
How We Work With Families and Guardians
We know that having a child or young person in SSRC is emotionally challenging. Our team strives to:
- Listen to families’ concerns, knowledge and preferences
- Respect cultural, spiritual and personal values
- Make contact and visits as smooth and positive as possible (within the care plan)
- Be transparent about routines, incidents and progress
- Work towards agreed goals, including reunification where possible
Families and guardians are never “left out of the loop” – we see them as partners in supporting the young person’s wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions – Specialised Substitute Residential Care NSW
1. Who can access Specialised Substitute Residential Care in NSW?
Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) in NSW is usually accessed when a child or young person cannot safely remain at home and needs a structured, short‑term placement. Referrals often come from child protection services, caseworkers, guardians or other government agencies. In some cases, families working with services such as VOOHC or NDIS may also be involved in planning an SSRC placement. Each referral is assessed individually to make sure the placement is appropriate and safe for the young person.
2. How is SSRC different from other NDIS or out‑of‑home care supports?
SSRC is a more intensive, time‑limited residential care option, with higher levels of supervision and support than standard respite or shared accommodation. It is designed for young people who have complex needs, safety risks or unstable home situations. While NDIS supports focus on disability‑related goals and daily living, SSRC also addresses safety, behavioural risks, crisis situations and coordination with child protection or legal systems. At P Homecare, we integrate NDIS supports into SSRC placements where the young person is an NDIS participant, so they receive consistent, joined‑up care.
3. Can an NDIS participant in SSRC choose their own supports and be involved in decisions?
Where it is safe and appropriate, yes. Young people and young adults are encouraged to share their preferences, goals and concerns, and to be involved in decisions about their daily routines, activities and supports. For NDIS participants, we work with their Support Coordinator, family and guardians to make sure their plan is used in a way that reflects their choices and rights. Our team explains options in simple, respectful language and supports the young person to have a voice in their own care.
Talk to P Homecare About SSRC and VOOHC in NSW
If you are a family member, caseworker, NDIS Support Coordinator or guardian looking for an experienced Specialised Substitute Residential Care provider in NSW, P Homecare is here to help.
We would be honoured to discuss your situation, answer your questions and explore how our SSRC and VOOHC services in Sydney and across NSW can support your young person safely and respectfully.
Contact us today on 1800 571 955 or ndis@phomecare.com.au, or visit www.phomecare.com.au to learn more about our specialised substitute residential care services.
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