SSRC Newsletter – For registered child safe organisations providing Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) in NSW
In this issue, we’re sharing important updates and helpful resources to support your work in child safety, including:
the launch of the new SSRC Register Portal
key reminders about compliance, including logging in and recording overnight stays
updated training and guidance materials for using the SSRC Register Portal
new Getting started resources to support the implementation of the Child Safe Standards
A big thank you to our pilot agencies for their valuable support!
SSRC Portal Launch
On 2 April, we officially launched the updated Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) Register Portal. We’re pleased to report that nearly 70% of registered providers accessed the new portal within the first few days—and that number continues to grow as more users explore its new features.
What’s New in the Register Portal?
Following a successful pilot, the portal now includes:
Two-factor authentication for improved security
New user management functions – allowing SSRC Principal Officers to manage and allocate Admin or User access to staff within their organisation
A refreshed look and improved navigation
Mobile compatibility
Enhanced data security
We encourage you to log in and make the most of these new features!
Important Update: Closure of the old SSRC Portal
The Office of the Children’s Guardian will be closing the old Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) portal in the coming weeks. Registered SSRC providers will receive confirmation of the exact closure date as it approaches. All registered SSRC providers are encouraged to transition to the new portal as soon as possible.
Recording Overnight Stays
All registered SSRC agencies are required to record every night a child stays in Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) on the SSRC Register Portal. This includes placements of just 1 or 2 nights within any 7-day period. This ensures a comprehensive count of the total number of nights each child spends in overnight care across all SSRC providers.
Manual Entry of Child Details
With the launch of the new SSRC portal, please note that the system will no longer pre-populate child information. To maintain data accuracy and avoid duplicate records, it is now a requirement to manually enter each child’s first name, middle name (if applicable), and last name every time a new record is created.
This change enhances the reliability and security of record-keeping processes across all SSRC providers.
For detailed guidance on updating the SSRC Register, refer to the SSRC Register Manual.
Supporting Your Transition to the SSRC Register
To help you transition smoothly to the SSRC Register, we’ve published new resources on the SSRC Register landing page. These include detailed user guides and step-by-step video tutorials designed to help you navigate the portal with confidence.
Learn how to:
- Log in and add new users in your organisations
Record new placements
Enter placement exits
Manage supervisor notifications
Manage case plan notifications
Review placement history
Download the guides:
Explore practical, step-by-step guides and videos to help you get the most out of the SSRC Register.
Watch the video tutorials
Visit the Office of the Children’s Guardian website for more resources.
Who Is the 'Getting Started' Guide For?
The 'Getting Started' guide is designed for child-related organisations embarking on the implementation of the NSW Child Safe Standards. It outlines six practical steps to help embed child safety into your organisation's daily operations.
Click on the Getting Started Guide to access the guide and explore additional resources.
The ‘Getting Started’ initiative includes:
- A simple six-step process and a tool to track progress
- Sample templates for key child safe policies
- A new introductory guide: Child Safe Scheme: An introduction for faith-based organisations
- A guide for board and committee members to support them in implementing and monitoring the Child Safe Scheme
- New -sector specific webpages, which provide links to these and other resources for continuous development
- Multi-lingual ‘Getting Started’ guides
- Easy English resource
- Updated Child Safe media kit
- ‘Getting Started’ webinar sessions held in April 2025
Thank You from the SSRC Team
A special thank you to our six pilot agencies for their invaluable support in helping us launch the new portal:
- SNAP Programs Limited
- Life Without Barriers
Mission Australia
The Northcott Society
Circle of Hope
Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services Limited
Thank you for your efforts in supporting and implementing both the Child Safe Standards and the SSRC Code of Practice.