In New South Wales, the approach to caring for vulnerable children and young people has undergone a major shift. At the centre of this change is the reform and phase-out of traditional Alternative Care Arrangements (ACAs), marking a move towards safer, more supportive care models that better meet the needs of those in out-of-home care.
Alternative Care Arrangements (ACAs) were originally developed as a temporary solution for children and young people who couldn’t be placed in conventional foster care or residential settings. These arrangements often involved placements in hotels, motels, or serviced apartments, usually staffed by rotating youth workers.
While intended as short-term emergency care, many children ended up remaining in these placements for far too long. This raised serious concerns about the quality of care, lack of stability, and the emotional and developmental impacts on children exposed to these environments.
Mounting evidence from reports, inquiries, and lived experiences highlighted the urgent need for reform. Children placed in ACAs often felt isolated and unsupported, with disrupted schooling and limited access to therapeutic care. Some even described the experience as being “moved from cage to cage,” emphasising the lack of permanence or connection in their living situations.
In response, the NSW Government committed to ending the use of unregulated and unsuitable emergency accommodations by March 2025. This shift is part of a broader commitment to providing children with care that is safe, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate.
While intended as short-term emergency care, many children ended up remaining in these placements for far too long. This raised serious concerns about the quality of care, lack of stability, and the emotional and developmental impacts on children exposed to these environments.
Amid these reforms, organisations like Ascend Youth Services are leading the way in transforming what out-of-home care looks like. As a registered provider of Alternative Care Arrangements in NSW, Ascend is redefining how short-term placements are delivered.
Their approach centres on providing:
– 24/7 supervised care delivered by qualified, trauma-informed youth workers
– Safe and secure living environments that reflect the individual needs of each child
– Collaborative care planning, involving caseworkers and allied health professionals
– Holistic support, including access to local services, schooling, and therapeutic care
Ascend’s focus is on more than just a roof over a child’s head. It’s about creating environments that promote healing, growth, and connection for children who’ve often experienced significant trauma.
In response, the NSW Government committed to ending the use of unregulated and unsuitable emergency accommodations by March 2025. This shift is part of a broader commitment to providing children with care that is safe, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate.
While intended as short-term emergency care, many children ended up remaining in these placements for far too long. This raised serious concerns about the quality of care, lack of stability, and the emotional and developmental impacts on children exposed to these environments.
Phasing out the old ACA model is a vital step towards creating a more compassionate and effective out-of-home care system. But the work doesn’t stop here. Continued investment in training, resources, and innovative care models will be essential in ensuring that every child in NSW receives the care and support they deserve.
With organisations like Ascend Youth Services stepping up, the future of out-of-home care is shifting from short-term fixes to meaningful, lasting impact.
Need support with AcA accommodation in NSW? Reach out to the team at Ascend Youth Services to learn more about their trauma-informed care programs and how they can assist.
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