Supported residential services (SRS) are privately operated businesses that provide accommodation and personal support, in exchange for a fee or reward, to Victorians who need help with everyday activities. Each SRS determines the services it offers and its fee structure.
This site provides information on:
- residents’ rights and responsibilities
- how to find and make a referral to move into an SRS
- services SRS may offer and fees charged
- providing feedback about an SRS
The department’s Service Providers site provides information about becoming an SRS proprietor and operating an SRS.
Role of the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Two different areas within the department have different but complementary roles and responsibilities regarding SRS.
- administers the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010 and its regulations
- monitors SRS compliance with this Act and its regulations as part of its role to regulate human services to minimise harm and to protect the safety and rights of children, young people and adults
- investigates and takes action regarding possible contraventions of the Act and its regulations
- develops information and resources for residents and proprietors regarding the legislative requirements of SRS
- maintains a list of registered SRS in Victoria
- provides assistance to pension-level SRS through the Supporting Accommodation for Vulnerable Victorians Initiative (SAVVI) and the Pension Levels Projects (PLP) programs
- develops and implements overarching policy settings for the low-cost private and supported accommodation sector, including SRSs
- develops best practice resources and guidance for SRS proprietors to support resident wellbeing and social participation
Sector overview
SRS vary in the services they provide, the people they accommodate and the fees they charge. They range in size from small facilities to larger facilities with about 80 residents.
The sector has two main categories: pension level services and above pension level services.
Generally, the residents of pension level services:
- are under 60 years of age
- have low incomes with limited disposable income.
Generally, the residents of above pension level services:
- are over 60 years of age
- have income other than the pension.
Legislation governing supported residential services
The legislation that governs supported residential services (SRS) is the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010 and Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Regulations 2012. Proprietors must be familiar and act in line with the Act and Regulations.
The objective of this legislation is to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents living in SRS. It is underpinned by principles that articulate the rights of those residents. Proprietors apply these principles in their day-to-day operation of the SRS, particularly in providing accommodation and personal support to residents.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing appoints authorised officers under the Supported Residential Services (Private Proprietors) Act 2010 to monitor SRS. The authorised officers are based in the department’s divisions across Victoria.
Other legislation
SRS also need to comply with other relevant legislation, including:
- Food Act 1984
- Health Records Act 2001
- Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981
- Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009
- Information Privacy Act 2000
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
- Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2006.
SRS register
The Register of currently registered and operating SRS contains a list of all registered SRS in the state. Pension-level facilities are indicated with an asterisk.
Register of currently registered and operating supported residential services.
SRS Census and Resident Experience Surveys
The Human Services Regulator completes a Census of Supported Residential Services and a SRS Resident Experience Survey every five years. Copies of previous reports can be requested from the Human Services Regulator.