'Residential care' (as distinct from 'home-based care') is the term used by the Department of Human Services to describe the placement of children and young people at risk of abuse and neglect in residential units, operated by community service organisations (or CSOs).
Residential care is provided by paid staff employed by a CSO. Residential care properties usually house three or four people at a time and these are generally, though not always, adolescents.
The majority of children and young people referred to residential care services are on Children's Court Protection Orders.
The Department distinguishes between different forms of residential care. General residential care is for short and long term care of children and young people aged 0-17 years who are unable to be placed in home-based care.
'Residential care - intermediate' describes short and long term care in residential facilities for children and young people aged 0-17 years who display a significant level of challenging behaviour.
'Residential care - high risk' refers to short and long term care in residential facilities for young people aged 13-17 years who display multiple and complex needs and whose behaviours place them at extreme risk of significant harm.
'Lead tenant' programs provide supported semi-independent accommodation options for young people aged 13-17 years who are homeless or in crisis as a result of family conflict, breakdown or violence or who may be subject to a statutory order. The short, medium and long term accommodation and support is provided in households supported by either a volunteer lead tenant or care management support.
Sources used to compile this entry: Department of Human Services, The Home-based Care Handbook, September 2007, http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/110885/20091119-1023/ps_home_based_care_revised_2007.pdf.
Prepared by: Cate O'Neill
Created: 19 May 2009, Last modified: 28 October 2011
Last updated: 7 August 2023
Cite this: https://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/vic/biogs/E000305b.htm
First published by the Find & Connect Web Resource Project for the Commonwealth of Australia, 2011
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