Communities and Justice

COVID-19 Guidelines for Residential Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) Settings and Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS)

The Guidelines produced for the Residential OOHC and SHS sectors have been merged and updated. The Guidelines have been streamlined with the creation of three new modules, Managing risks and seeking support; Guidelines for workers; and Guidelines for supporting clients. Read these Guidelines in conjunction with the Sector support for DCJ service providers preparing COVID-19 Management Plans guidance.

Module 1 – Guidelines for managing risks and seeking support

This module provides information on specific control considerations for Residential OOHC and SHS provider operating environments, managing service continuity, and support available to service providers.

Module 2 – Guidelines for workers

Module 2 includes content on supporting worker wellbeing and decision trees to assist with the management of workers exposed to COVID-19, as well as confirmed cases.

Module 3 – Guidelines for supporting clients

The third module includes decision trees to provide clear processes for managing clients exposed to COVID-19, and those confirmed positive. There are also specific sections to assist with supporting clients experiencing domestic and family violence, children and young people, and other vulnerable cohorts.

The Residential Out of Home Care (OOHC) settings and Specialist Homelessness Services COVID-19 Response Quick Reference Guide

The Residential Out of Home Care (OOHC) settings and Specialist Homelessness Services COVID-19 Response Quick Reference Guide (PDF , 303.5 KB) (QRG) has been prepared to support the provision of up-to-date COVID-19 information in a handy format. The QRG organises links around common COVID-19 related questions, such as where to find the latest information on vaccinations and boosters.

Public health guidance for testing and management of COVID-19 cases in Residential Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) settings and Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS)

The Public health guidance for testing and management of COVID-19 cases in Residential Out of Home Care (OOHC) settings and Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) factsheet (PDF , 204.6 KB) includes recommended Rapid Antigen Testing (RAT) schedules for clients and workers, as well as advice on dealing with outbreaks of three or more cases in a service. This new factsheet has been developed based on NSW Health guidance.

Last updated:

05 Aug 2022