Practical resources, templates and guidance to support organisations providing specialised substitute residential care.

Providers of specialised substitute residential care must comply with both the Child Safe Standards and the Specialised Substitute Residential Care Code of Practice.

The specialised substitute residential care (SSRC) register is a secure online database that records information about children or young people in care and the organisations who provide or supervise that care. The register calculates the total days a child has been in SSRC care with any provider, so that children don’t remain in care for long periods without oversight and support in place.

The register must be updated by the care provider. If the care provider is not a designated agency and there is a supervising agency, the register must also be updated by the supervising designated agency.

If your organisation provides SSRC, every placement must be recorded on the Register, including placements of only one night.

Practical guidance for organisations delivering specialised substitute residential care.

This section brings together information relating to supervision, case planning, information exchange and day-to-day service delivery.

Whether your organisation is considering providing SSRC for the first time or is already delivering services, these resources will help you understand your obligations and responsibilities.

Organisations considering providing SSRC should consider if they have the capacity and skill to deliver specialised support services to children with additional needs.

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child receiving overnight care, you should raise your concerns as soon as possible.

Practical resources to help families understand specialised substitute residential care and make informed decisions.