News and resources from the Office of the Children's Guardian Out-of-home care Directorate
Out-of-home care Directorate update
The accreditation and monitoring team are reviewing the Monitoring to Renewal framework and most agencies have completed an Annual Status Update. Some designated agencies have received accreditation via the direct renewal pathway under this new regulatory framework. Information about the framework is available in our fact sheet. We will continue to fine tune our processes and thank all agencies that have provided feedback over the past 12 months.
The Carers and Residential Workers Monitoring Team (CRWMT) recently hosted an online working group to share information about Chapter 16A, sharing information with other agencies. Our Reportable Conduct Directorate presented information on how to appropriately share reportable conduct allegations with other agencies. We are planning to host more of these events in future.
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.
Resources for Practice Requirement 1 are now available.
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.
Carers Register guidance update
The Carers Register guidance notes have been updated on our website. The guidance notes capture recent changes to legislation and provide agencies important information about roles, responsibilities and how to use the register.
Carers Register review survey
The Carers Register team will send you a short survey following our review of your agency's systems that support the use of the Carers Register and your work with carers. The survey will be sent out quarterly to agencies we have recently reviewed. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes.
Residential Care Workers Register - important reminders
Current practice issues across the sector.
Alert emails
Agencies with access to the RCWR nominate an email for each of the 4 Alert emails to enable the register to send your agency important alerts.
Alert emails ensure your agency receives important notifications and can take necessary and timely action.
Most importantly, the emails nominated for this purpose must be regularly monitored. Best practice is for these to be a shared mailbox that can be monitored by multiple staff. The 4 Alert email types, their purpose and how they can be edited by your agency to maintain currency are outlined in the user guide link below.
Issues logging in
We have a new resource for RCWR users, including trouble-shooting tips. Please ensure you are familiar with this resource to resolve issues quickly.
Quarterly statistics on the registers
Sector reports, resources and events
System review into out-of-home care - final report to government
In May 2024, the NSW Department of Communities and Justice announced a system review into out-of-home care. The final report was released in October 2024.
The review assesses:
- the effectiveness and efficiency of the current hybrid model of government and non-government service delivery, residential care, and the drivers of High-Cost Emergency Arrangements
- key issues impacting outcomes for children and young people and value for money
- current arrangements for foster carer recruitment and support, and the effectiveness of foster carer utilisation by out-of-home care providers in meeting placement demand
- the contractual and fiscal management arrangements for out-of-home care and how taxpayer value could be better realised, including the suitability of subcontracting
Joint Protocol to reduce the contact of young people in residential care with the criminal justice system
New resources and training are now available
The Joint Protocol was developed in 2016 and updated in 2019. It aims to reduce criminalisation of children and young people who live in Residential Care and Intensive Therapeutic Care.
Signatories to the Joint Protocol include the NSW Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Police Force, the Association of Children’s Welfare Agencies and AbSec. The Joint Protocol is supported by a state-wide and multi-agency governance structure.
ACWA training for agencies - carer assessment and panel processes
The Association of Children's Welfare Agencies provides training we have recommended to a number of agencies during our recent reviews of practice.
Reviewing Carer Assessment Reports: Training for managers and panel members is for agency staff who sit on carer authorisation panels, review carer assessment reports or sign off on authorisation decisions. The training video covers the foundational knowledge required to make assessment decisions including reflection on individual and group biases and agency pressures. It can be viewed individually or by groups/teams. It also explores the carer assessment report review checklist designed by ACWA. This training relates to all carer assessment processes, including those outlined in the Step-by-Step training and assessment.
If you have any questions please contact us:
Phone: (02) 8219 3796
Email: accreditation@ocg.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.ocg.nsw.gov.au
