Welcome to The Children's Guardian

The NSW Office for Children - the Children's Guardian (OCCG) is a government department set up to promote the best interests and rights of children and young people in out-of-home care in NSW.

The OCCG is an independent organisation that reports directly to the Minister for Community Services. The Children's Guardian can make special reports to the Minister or directly to the Parliament of New South Wales (NSW).

The OCCG is one of the most significant reforms in out-of-home care in NSW. The OCCG is unique in Australia and it may well be the first of its kind in the world.

The NSW Office for Children - the Children's Guardian (OCCG) is located at:

^{Suite 1, Level 13 418A Elizabeth St Surry Hills}

^{Telephone (02 ) 8219 3600}

^{FAX (02) 8219 3699}

The Children's Guardian has a brochure written especially for kids in care explaining how we can help you. Why not get your own copy of Caring for Kids in Care? More »

Want To Know About?

 Changes to child employment legislation - modelling and penalties

The child employment legislation was amended in April 2009 to make the existing child employment provisions applicable to children up to 16 years of age who are employed as models. The penalty for employment of a child in contravention of the child employment provisions of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 was also increased from 10 penalty points to 100 penalty points. Learn more about Changes to child employment legislation - modelling and penalties.

Children's Employment New Application Fees

Application fees for an Authority to Employ Children in NSW were increased in the November (2008) Mini Budget. The increase applies to Authorities with a start date on or after 1 January 2009. Learn more about Children's Employment - new application fees.

New Guidelines
The OCCG has finalised two sets of Statutory Guidelines for Designated Agencies on the Review of Placements of Children and Young Persons in Out-of-Home Care and Developing a Behaviour Management Policy, following consultation with representatives of out-of-home care and carer organisations. ....Learn more about the New Guidelines

Submission to Inquiry

The OCCG wrote a submission to the Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection Services in NSW. Read our submission here

Accreditation and the EOI process

We have answered some frequently asked questions regarding OOHC Accreditation and the DoCS OOHC Expression of Interest (EOI) process. See our information sheet... Learn more about Accreditation and the EOI process