News and resources from the Office of the Children's Guardian Out-of-home care Directorate - October 2025
Out-of-home care Directorate update
The Code of Practice commenced as the new accreditation criteria on 1 October. Agencies will now be assessed and monitored against the Code of Practice under our Monitoring to Renewal framework which supports our responsive, risk based regulatory approach.
Our handbook and resources below have been developed to support agencies understand the requirements under the Code of Practice.
Code of Practice
The Code of Practice Implementation Handbook supports agencies to understand the new accreditation criteria which will come into effect on 1 October 2025.
The handbook outlines:
- the 8 practice requirements against which agencies will be assessed
- how we assess compliance and evidence we may seek
- the accreditation process and pathways
Resources to support implementation of the Code of Practice
We are developing a suite of resources to complement the Code of Practice Implementation Handbook.
Practice requirement 7 and 8 now available!
Practice requirement 7 - providing safe suitable care environments. These modules explore how we expect the placement principles to be applied, assessment and placement matching, systems and practices that help agencies create and maintain safe homes for children and young people, supporting safe use of online devices and supporting young people who self place.
Practice Requirement 8 - quality assurance and continuous improvement. This module explains what quality assurance systems and practices look like in out-of-home care and adoption services and explains continuous improvement plans and action plans.
Other information and resources available include an overview of the Office of the Children's Guardian, our functions, transition to the Code of Practice and information on how we accredit and monitor designated agencies and adoption service providers.
Sector reports, resources and events
AbSec - Strong mob, strong peak
AbSec are heading to three regions (Kempsy, Dubbo, Bateman's Bay) to sit down, listen up, and grow with mob, because real change only ever starts with you.
This event is a space for mob to learn about and contribute to AbSec’s current policy priorities—like pushing for greater investment in early support and radically redesigning a system that too often separates our children from their families and culture.
Absec Quarterly Sector Forum
The November 2025 Quarterly Sector Forum, held on traditional land of the Worimi people, the custodians the coastal land in eastern Port Stephens and the Great Lakes regions of NSW. This is more than just a gathering—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and drive meaningful action alongside sector leaders, advocates, and community members. This gathering will reinforce the importance of having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices front and centre.
Office for Youth
The Office for Youth launched in August 2025 and is the new central point for connecting young people with decision-making processes, ensuring their voices are heard and integrated into policy and program development in NSW.
If you have any questions please contact us:
Phone: (02) 8219 3796
Email: accreditation@ocg.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.ocg.nsw.gov.au
