News and resources from the Office of the Children's Guardian Out-of-home care Directorate - June 2025
Out-of-home care Directorate update
The Out-of-home care Directorate attended the Official Community Visitor (OCV) conference in May to provide an overview of the transition to the Code of Practice and consult on the new resources being released to the sector. The OCV team will work with us to continue to develop resources.
The CRWMT hosted an information session on legislative changes to the Other Agency Check which was very well attended by the sector. Thank you to all the agencies that attended and participated in this session.
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
Resources for Practice Requirement 2 supporting the participation of children and Practice Requirement 3 participation of family and community 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.
NSW Carers Register 10 year anniversary!
The NSW Carers Register was developed and rolled out in 2015 in response to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. NSW was the first jurisdiction to address all recommendations set out in the Royal Commission recommendations - Carers Register 8.17 – 8.23. through the launch of the Register and supporting legislation.
Read more about the ongoing impact, success and lessons learned after 10 years of implementing the NSW Carers Register.
Sharing information with the NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Find out how the Office of the Children’s Guardian and the Department of Communities and Justice share information to protect children’s safety, coordinate on agency performance, and reduce duplication in our regulation of out-of-home care and adoption services.
Sector reports, resources and events
Reform plan: transforming the out-of-home care system in NSW
This plan sets out the vision and new direction to build a high performing and financially sustainable out-of-home care system. A system that keeps children living safely with their families wherever possible, connected to their communities, and supported to thrive.
SNAICC Family Matters report 2024
The annual Family Matters report examines government actions to address over-representation and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems
Commonwealth Closing the Gap 2024 Annual Report and 2025 Implementation Plan
The 2024 Annual Report assesses the Commonwealth’s delivery against actions outlined in the 2024 Implementation Plan. The 2025 Implementation Plan is forward looking, outlining the Commonwealth’s strategic priorities for Closing the Gap over the next year.
2025 National foster and kinship carer conference: empowering carers to transform lives
This event is dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering foster and kinship carers across Australia.
It will be held in Sydney on 28-30 November 2025 at Club Central Hurstville.
If you have any questions please contact us:
Phone: (02) 8219 3796
Email: accreditation@ocg.nsw.gov.au
Web: www.ocg.nsw.gov.au
