Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC)
Safe, regulated overnight care for children — delivered with compassion and full compliance with the NSW Office of the Children's Guardian.
What is Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC)?
Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) refers to overnight respite care or behaviour support arrangements for children lasting three or more nights within a seven-day period. These services are arranged by parents with organisations outside the family home and are regulated under the Child Safe Scheme in New South Wales. At Top Disability Care Australia, we provide SSRC in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where every child is valued, heard and protected.
Our Child Safe Commitment
Top Disability Care Australia is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation. We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and operate under the oversight of the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG). Our SSRC services comply with the Children’s Guardian Act 2019 and the Children’s Guardian Regulation 2022, and we adhere to the SSRC Code of Practice. Every placement is recorded on the SSRC Register as required by the OCG, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
Who is SSRC For?
SSRC supports children and young people who require overnight care outside of the family home. This includes one-off emergency overnight placements, regular respite care arrangements, longer-term overnight care and NDIS-funded behaviour support programs. Our team works closely with families to understand each child’s individual needs and create a care plan that prioritises their safety, wellbeing and development.
How We Support Children in Our Care
Every child who stays with Top Disability Care Australia receives personalised, trauma-informed support from staff who are specifically trained in working with children and young people. We create structured daily routines that balance activity, rest and social engagement, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to each child’s preferences and comfort level. Our team focuses on building trust and rapport with every child, ensuring they feel genuinely welcome from the moment they arrive. We incorporate age-appropriate recreational activities, sensory-friendly spaces and positive behaviour support strategies into our care model, because we know that children thrive when they feel safe and engaged.
Our Staff and Screening Standards
The safety of children in our care starts with the people we hire. Every member of our SSRC team holds a valid NDIS Worker Screening Check and a Working With Children Check before they are permitted to work with any child. Beyond screening, we look for staff who demonstrate genuine empathy, patience and a natural ability to connect with young people. Our team receives ongoing professional development in child protection, mandatory reporting obligations, de-escalation techniques and disability-specific support strategies. We maintain consistent staffing wherever possible so that children build familiarity and trust with the people caring for them.
Working With Families
We understand that entrusting your child’s care to someone else is one of the hardest decisions a parent can make. That is why we prioritise open, honest communication with families at every stage. Before any placement begins, we meet with parents and carers to understand the child’s needs, routines, preferences, medical requirements and any specific concerns. During the stay, we provide regular updates so families have peace of mind. After each placement, we debrief with parents to discuss how the child settled, what went well and whether any adjustments are needed for future stays.
Getting Started with SSRC
If you are a parent or carer looking for overnight respite or residential care for your child, Top Disability Care Australia can help. Our team will guide you through the process, explain our regulatory obligations and work with you to ensure your child receives the highest standard of care. Contact us to discuss your family’s needs and learn more about our SSRC services across Sydney.