Understanding SSRC Funding: A Specialised Path to a Safe and Nurturing Home
Specialist Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) offers intensive, therapeutic support for young people with complex needs. Learn how SSRC funding works and how Bridges Alliance provides a safe, caring home.
If you’re a parent, carer, or support coordinator for a young person with complex disability or behavioural support needs, you may have heard of Specialist Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) . It’s a mouthful, but behind this term is a vital funding category designed to provide something every young person deserves: a safe, nurturing, and stable home environment when they cannot live with their family.
At Bridges Alliance, we are a registered NDIS provider proudly offering SSRC services in NSW. We believe that where a person lives shapes their whole world. In this post, we’ll break down what SSRC funding is, who it’s for, and how our approach creates a true home where young people can heal, grow, and thrive.
What is SSRC?
Specialist Substitute Residential Care (SSRC) is a specific line item within the NDIS Core Supports budget. It funds intensive, out-of-home care for young people under 18 with a disability who require a level of support that families and standard respite care cannot provide.
Think of SSRC as more than just accommodation. It’s a therapeutic living arrangement. It provides 24/7 care from a team of skilled professionals who are trained to support young people with significant medical needs, complex behaviours, or psychosocial disabilities. The goal is to provide a stable, home-like environment that promotes safety, well-being, and development.
Who is SSRC For?
SSRC is designed for children and young people (typically aged 12-17, but can be younger) who:
Have a significant disability and complex support needs.
Are unable to live with their birth family, often due to the level of care required or family circumstances.
Require a stable, therapeutic environment to prevent escalation to more restrictive settings like hospitals or detention.
Need consistent support from a team trained in trauma-informed care and positive behaviour support.
It is a proactive, intensive support model designed to build a foundation for a better future.
How Does SSRC Funding Work?
SSRC is a specialised support, so accessing it involves a clear process:
Evidence is Key: To get SSRC funding in a participant’s NDIS plan, there must be clear evidence from allied health professionals (like psychologists, occupational therapists, or paediatricians) demonstrating the need for this level of intensive, out-of-home support.
Included in the Plan: If the NDIA deems it reasonable and necessary, SSRC will be included as a specific support in the young person's plan, often managed by the NDIA.
Choosing a Provider: Once funding is secured, the next crucial step is finding a registered SSRC provider. This is where the quality of the provider makes all the difference. You are not just choosing a service; you are choosing a home and a team to become part of your family's circle of support.
Understanding SSRC Funding: A Specialised Path to a Safe and Nurturing Home
The Bridges Alliance Difference: More Than a Placement, It’s a Home
We understand that for a young person leaving their family home, the transition can be daunting. That’s why our SSRC service is built on a foundation of warmth, stability, and genuine connection.
At Bridges Alliance, we reject the idea of institutional care. Our homes—in locations like Wollongong, Mount Annan, and Leumeah—are just that: homes. They are modern, well-maintained, and designed for comfort and safety.
Here’s how we make SSRC a positive, life-changing experience:
A Dedicated, Skilled Team: Our 90+ staff are not just support workers; they are mentors, advocates, and consistent figures in a young person’s life. We invest heavily in training, particularly in trauma-informed practice and complex behaviour support, ensuring our team has the skills to respond with patience and understanding.
Tailored, Therapeutic Support: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. We work closely with the young person, their family, and their clinical team to create a genuinely individualised plan. This plan focuses not just on safety, but on building life skills, fostering independence, and pursuing personal interests—like Rayden enjoying the fair, or Jordan discovering a love for nature.
A Focus on Connection and Fulfilment: Our mission is to help everyone enjoy a life of connection and fulfilment. For young people in our SSRC homes, this means being part of a small household, building positive relationships with housemates and staff, and getting involved in the local community. It’s the small moments—shared meals, a supportive conversation, achieving a personal goal—that build a sense of belonging.
Partners with Families: We see families as essential partners. We believe in transparent, open communication so that even when a young person cannot live at home, their family remains a vital part of their life and support network.
Is SSRC Right for Someone You Support?
Deciding to explore SSRC is a significant step. It’s a decision made with love, to ensure a young person receives the specialised, round-the-clock care they need in an environment where they can feel safe and supported.
If you are a family or support coordinator considering this path, we are here to help. Our experienced team can talk you through the process, answer your questions, and show you how our homes provide more than just care—they provide a foundation for a brighter future.
You’re more than just a number to us. You’re family.
👉 Ready to learn more about our SSRC homes?
Contact the Bridges Alliance team today.
📞 Phone: 1300 771 063
📧 Email: infoandreferrals@bridgesalliance.com.au
🌐 Visit: bridgesalliance.com.au
