When families are navigating the world of child support and care, especially in complex situations, it’s important to understand the difference between foster care and Specialised Substitute Residential Care. Both provide essential support for children who cannot live at home, but they serve different purposes and meet different needs.

What Is Foster Care?

Foster care is a system where children are placed with trained individuals or families in a home environment. These foster carers provide everyday support, emotional care, and a stable living environment. Foster care is often used in cases where children have been removed from unsafe homes or where parents are unable to care for them temporarily.

Foster carers receive training and are assessed before being approved. While some children stay in foster care short-term, others may live with their foster families for extended periods.

What Is Specialised Substitute Residential Care?

Specialised Substitute Residential Care provides a higher level of support for children and young people with complex needs—often those who require round-the-clock care or therapeutic assistance. Unlike foster care, this type of service is usually delivered in a professional care setting rather than a traditional family home.

Children in Specialised Substitute Residential Care might include those with:

• Significant behavioural or emotional needs

• Disabilities requiring specialist support

• Complex trauma histories

• High-risk behaviours or supervision requirements

These services are delivered by experienced support workers, often in collaboration with health professionals, psychologists, or disability practitioners. The aim is to maintain the child’s safety, development, and well-being while helping them build skills to transition into more independent or less intensive care settings over time.

Key Differences Between Foster Care and Specialised Substitute Residential Care

While both options support children in need, the differences are clear:

• Care Environment: Foster care takes place in a family home; substitute care occurs in staffed, structured care settings.

• Level of Support: Substitute care offers intensive support for high needs; foster care supports children with more stable requirements.

• Staffing: Substitute residential care is provided by trained support staff working in shifts; foster carers live with the child.

• Complexity of Needs: Children in substitute care often have more complex emotional, behavioural, or medical needs.

Which Option Is Right?

The choice between foster care and Specialised Substitute Residential Care depends on the individual needs of the child. A child with mild behavioural issues may thrive in a foster home, while a child requiring 24-hour support may benefit more from a structured residential setting with qualified staff.

Ready to take the next step? If you're seeking a safe and supportive environment for a child with complex needs, explore how our Specialised Substitute Residential Care can help. Get started with Apex Support Services today.

Need More Information?

At Apex Support Services, we provide safe and supportive Specialised Substitute Residential Care that meets the needs of children and young people with complex requirements. Our focus is on safety, growth, and meaningful support that helps each child feel seen and valued.

Want to speak with someone about how we can help? Visit our contact page to learn more or make a confidential enquiry.