VOOHC NDIS Services in Sydney Providing Support for Children and Families

NDIS VOOHC funding covers a broad range of supports during a child’s temporary placement outside the home.

• Personal care, hygiene support, and daily routine assistance
• Overnight and around-the-clock supervision by trained disability workers
• Transport to school, medical appointments, and therapy sessions
• Holiday and after-school support during the placement period
• Community participation and social activities suited to the child’s interests

Families should confirm specific inclusions with their NDIS plan manager before the placement begins.

Accessing VOOHC starts with your child’s NDIS plan. The plan needs to include funding under the relevant support category for disability-related accommodation and support. Once confirmed, families contact ADCS directly or through their support coordinator to discuss placement needs and availability.

Both planned and emergency referrals are accepted. The team works quickly to arrange appropriate accommodation when urgent support is needed.

Child safety is the primary focus of every VOOHC placement.

• All support workers hold current Working With Children Checks
• Staff complete mandatory disability-specific and child safeguarding training
• A low staff-to-child ratio ensures attentive, consistent supervision
• Incidents are reported immediately to the family and relevant authorities

Families receive a direct contact for their child’s placement team throughout the stay.

Emergency placements are available for families facing a sudden crisis or unexpected change in circumstances. This includes situations where a primary carer becomes ill, a home environment becomes unsafe, or support is needed outside regular planning cycles.

ADCS responds to urgent referrals quickly and works with NDIS plan managers to confirm funding and logistics without delay.

Both services provide temporary support outside the home, but they serve different purposes.

• VOOHC is specifically for children and young people under 18 with disabilities; respite applies more broadly across age groups
• VOOHC involves a structured placement in a specialist accommodation setting
• Respite care focuses primarily on giving primary carers a break
• Both are funded through the NDIS but draw from different support categories

Your NDIS plan manager or support coordinator can advise which option suits your family’s situation.

VOOHC is available to children and young people aged under 18 with a permanent or significant disability who hold an active NDIS plan. The family or carer must consent to the placement, and there must be a documented reason, such as carer illness or a change in home circumstances.

Speak to your support coordinator if you are unsure whether your child qualifies or how to include VOOHC funding in their plan review.

Placement length depends on the child’s situation and the family’s needs. Emergency placements are usually arranged within 24 to 72 hours and last days to a few weeks. Planned placements are scheduled in advance and extend longer when required.

• Short-term placements: days to a few weeks for emergency or carer respite situations
• Planned placements: weeks to months based on the family’s circumstances
• Extended placements: available when the home situation needs a longer resolution period

All placements are reviewed regularly with the family to plan a supported return home.

Continuity is a priority. Children in a VOOHC placement continue attending their regular school and therapy appointments where possible, with transport and accompaniment arranged by the support team.

ADCS also coordinates with therapists and educators to maintain consistency in routines and strategies, helping children stay on track with their goals throughout the placement period.

Yes. ADCS works with children who have a range of physical, intellectual, and psychosocial support requirements.

• Staff follow individualised support plans that account for medical routines and communication preferences
• Behaviour support strategies are implemented consistently across all shifts
• A thorough pre-placement assessment ensures the right staffing and environment are in place
• Coordination with existing therapists and specialists continues during the placement

This preparation reduces disruption for the child and gives families confidence before the placement begins.

Family involvement does not stop when a child enters a placement. Regular updates, phone calls, and progress reports keep parents and carers informed throughout. Families are included in any decisions about changes to the support plan or placement conditions.

The goal is to keep families connected to their child’s care and to prepare a clear, supported transition back home when the time is right.