The In Home Care (IHC) Quality and Safety Framework provides a nationally consistent approach to quality and safety across the IHC sector. It supports providers, services and educators to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children and families.
On this page:
About the framework
The In Home Care (IHC) Quality and Safety Framework provides a nationally consistent approach to strengthening quality, child safety, and continuous improvement across the IHC sector.
The framework includes:
- 7 interrelated quality and safety areas
- 40 operational requirements that outline provider responsibilities.
The framework:
- aligns with the National Quality Framework
- recognises the unique operating environment of IHC services.
The safety, rights and best interests of children are at the centre of the framework.
The framework was:
- developed by ACECQA on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education
- informed by engagement with IHC providers, support agencies and sector stakeholders.
How the framework will be introduced
The framework will be implemented through a staged approach, starting with voluntary adoption.
During this phase, IHC providers, services and educators can:
- build capability
- test approaches
- provide feedback.
To support voluntary adoption, a range of resources are available. These include:
- guidance materials
- professional learning opportunities
- practical tools.
Access the framework and resources
The framework and supporting resources are available on ACECQA’s website.
We encourage the IHC sector to:
- become familiar with the framework and supporting resources
- use the self-assessment tool to reflect on current practice
- start considering how the framework may be applied within their services
- reach out to ACECQA for help, if required.