Specialised Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) delivering safe, trauma-informed residential support for children and young people needing care away from their usual home.
Specialised Substitute Residential Care is short-term residential care for children or young people who need to stay away from their usual home for three or more nights within a seven-day period. It is regulated by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian under the Child Safe Scheme.
SSRC supports children and young people who require temporary, structured and safe residential care. Referrals typically come from caseworkers, families and professionals involved in the young person’s support network.
A young person may be eligible for SSRC if they:
Placements vary depending on the situation. SSRC can cover short-term arrangements, crisis situations or planned periods of respite where consistency, stability and professional support are needed.
All SSRC enquiries and referrals are completed through Sunflower Services’ standard referral form. The button below will direct you straight to that form.
Our SSRC support is built on stability, safety and child-centred practice. Every placement is guided by trained professionals who focus on creating a structured, nurturing environment where young people feel supported and understood. Below is an overview of what families and caseworkers can expect from our Newcastle-based SSRC service.
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Sunflower Services provides Specialised Substitute Residential Care in Newcastle for children and young people who need a safe, structured environment away from home.
Our team delivers trauma-informed, child-centred support for short-term stays of three nights or more, working closely with families, caseworkers and professionals to ensure each placement is stable, consistent and aligned with the young person’s needs. If you’re a caseworker or professional making a referral, you can submit directly through our referral form.
Support for young people needing stability and safety.
Planned or responsive care for three or more nights.
Support during sudden changes or urgent needs.
Working closely with families, caseworkers and professionals.
The Sunflower Standard reflects how we show up every day. It is our commitment to thoughtful support, steady guidance, and a level of care that goes beyond the basics. It shapes how we work with participants, families, and the wider community.
Get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of people thriving with tailored support from Sunflower Services. These stories highlight the trust, consistency and meaningful relationships that sit at the heart of everything we do.
Meet Jasmine and her support worker Bec, who have been building a strong and joyful connection over the past six months. This video offers a heartfelt glimpse into Jasmine’s day-to-day, showing how ILO support can calm routines, support personal growth and build meaningful relationships, all from the comfort of home.
At Sunflower Services, our team brings together experience, empathy, and a genuine drive to make a difference. We value connection, celebrate individuality, and work side by side to create the best outcomes for the people we support. Every person here plays a role in making our services feel personal, reliable, and trusted.
Children and young people in SSRC placements are supported by trained residential care staff who are experienced in trauma-informed, child-centred care. Our team works closely with caseworkers, families, and other professionals to ensure consistent and supportive care.
Our team focuses on creating stable routines, supportive relationships, and safe environments where children feel respected and understood. We use trauma-informed approaches and positive behaviour support strategies to help young people feel secure and supported.
Clear communication is a core part of our SSRC program. We provide regular updates, incident reporting where required, and ongoing collaboration with families, caseworkers, and relevant professionals to ensure everyone remains informed and involved.
Our approach combines trauma-informed care, structured routines, and highly trained staff with strong collaboration across support networks. We focus on creating stable, nurturing environments that prioritise safety, wellbeing, and long-term positive outcomes for every young person in our care.