New In Home Care framework sets out 40 quality and safety requirements

A national framework developed by Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) covers seven quality and safety areas for In Home Care, with voluntary adoption forming the first stage of implementation.

The Australian Government Department of Education has released a new In Home Care (IHC) Quality and Safety Framework to support a nationally consistent approach across the sector.

Developed by ACECQA with input from providers, support agencies and sector stakeholders, the framework includes forty operational requirements outlining provider responsibilities.

It aligns with the National Quality Framework (NQF) while recognising the differences education and care is delivered in a family’s home. In Home Care remains outside the NQF.

Voluntary adoption begins staged rollout

Implementation begins with voluntary adoption, giving providers, services and educators time to test approaches and provide feedback

The department encourages providers to familiarise themselves with the framework, use the accompanying self-assessment tool and consider how it applies within their services.

The rollout follows the extension of the Worker Retention Payment to eligible Family Day Care and In Home Care providers.

From July 2027, IHC services receiving the Worker Retention Payment will need to adopt the framework to meet the payment’s quality and safety condition.

Seven areas cover service delivery and leadership

The framework addresses:

• The learning, development and wellbeing program.
• Children’s health, safety and wellbeing.
• Safe and inclusive environments.
• Staffing arrangements.
• Relationships with children.
• Collaborative partnerships with families and communities.
• Governance and leadership.

Supporting resources include a framework guide, self-assessment tool, eight eLearning modules and policy and procedure guidelines.

The guidelines cover matters including serious incidents, safe sleep, environmental assessments, complaints, educator support and digital safety. “Spotlight on Practice” resources provide reflective questions, examples of practice and supporting documentation for each quality and safety area.

Information for families

ACECQA has also published family fact sheets explaining what In Home Care provides, how to find a service and the responsibilities of the people and organisations involved.

Access the Department of Education’s framework information here and ACECQA’s framework and supporting resources here.