News for providers of overnight respite care for children under age 18
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SSRC Newsletter
Welcome to the December edition of the SSRC Newsletter.
This issue provides updates on child safety, mandatory reporting responsibilities, and SSRC Portal and registration management. These reminders help your organisation comply with the SSRC Code of Practice and maintain best practices.
We also thank all SSRC providers who attended the Developing Child Safe Risk Management Plan and Reporting Obligations in SSRC webinar.
Child Safety – staff reminders & mandatory reporting
Mandatory reporting is a legal requirement under the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998. Organisations providing SSRC services must keep children safe and ensure all concerns are reported immediately in line with the law and the SSRC Code of Practice.
Actions for staff
Staff must:
read, sign, and follow the Child Safe Code of Conduct
keep children’s privacy in mind, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms
speak to a supervisor immediately if they notice anything unsafe
raise concerns promptly - never stay silent
always get permission before taking photos of children
support children to communicate concerns, using preferred communication styles and tools.
Keep helpline numbers visible in SSRC residential homes, accessible for staff, children, and families.
Actions for organisations
Organisations providing SSRC services must:
train staff in child safety, mandatory reporting, and the Child Safe Code of Conduct
implement and embed the Child Safe Code of Conduct in policies, procedures, and daily practice
implement the SSRC Code of Practice across all aspects of service delivery and comply with Child Safe Standards.
maintain clear processes for reporting, documenting, and responding to concerns
support children, including those with disability, to raise concerns and participate in decisions about their safety
comply with Section 11 of the SSRC Code of Practice (Complaint Handling) for complaints from children or parents.
Implementing the Child Safe Code of Conduct
Under Section 8 of the SSRC Code of Practice, organisations providing SSRC services must implement and embed a Child Safe Code of Conduct to ensure compliance and promote child safety.
The Code of Conduct sets clear behaviour expectations for all staff. It helps prevent unsafe situations by outlining what is appropriate, safe, and respectful when working with children. By embedding the Code of Conduct into everyday practice, organisations demonstrate compliance with the SSRC Code of Practice, create consistent standards across the service, and reduce opportunities for harm.
A robust and well-implemented Code of Conduct further safeguards children by:
promoting transparency and accountability in staff actions
guiding safe and ethical decision-making
ensuring all staff understand their responsibilities and prioritise child safety.
By clearly communicating and enforcing these standards, organisations create an environment where children feel supported, respected, and confident to speak up if they have concerns, fostering a culture of safety and trust.
Children should always be supported and their wellbeing checked, so they feel safe, heard, and cared for.
Tips for supporting children with disability to raise concerns
Use simple language, pictures, symbols, or communication devices.
Explain safety messages in the child’s preferred way of communicating.
Give different ways to raise concerns: talking, pointing, drawing, or using devices
Monitor for changes in mood, behaviour, or participation that may indicate distress, discomfort, or unmet needs.
Use daily logs or structured observation forms to identify potential concerns early.
Check in with children daily to talk about their happy or sad feelings.
Build trusted relationships so children feel safe, respected, and listened to.
Display child safe posters in places children can see and understand them.
For non-verbal children, behaviour is communication. Staff must use observation, multiple communication strategies to ensure every child can be heard, supported, and safeguarded.
What are a Principal Officer’s responsibilities for SSRC registration and SSRC register management?
Keep your SSRC registration and SSRC register up to date
Update the OCG whenever there are changes to your Principal Officer or SSRC Coordinator.
Ensure all contact details are current to receive important information and requests.
Let us know if your organisation no longer wishes to provide SSRC services.
If we are unable to contact your organisation, your SSRC registration may need to be reviewed.
Maintain the SSRC Register
Record all nights of overnight care accurately.
Review placement details regularly.
Correct any errors promptly to ensure records remain compliant.
Review staff access
Regularly review staff access to the SSRC Register Portal.
End-date staff access immediately when employees leave to maintain system security and protect sensitive information.
Ensure new staff have the correct access and understand their responsibilities.
Christmas – New Year Shutdown Period
The Office of the Children’s Guardian will be closed from 25 December 2025 to 9 January 2026, with reduced hours on 24 December 2025.
Please note that SSRC registration may be delayed during this period. If you have an immediate concern for a child’s safety during this period, contact the Child Protection Helpline: 132 111.
Contact us:
If you need help or have questions, please contact us at ssrc@ocg.nsw.gov.au
