Family and Guardian FAQ
SCHADS Sleepover and Roster Model Change
We know this kind of change matters because support is personal. The people providing care, the routines they are part of, and the relationships they build all make a real difference in someone’s day-to-day life.
This FAQ answers the questions we know families and guardians may have at this stage, using the information approved for this change so far.
Some details — including specific house-level outcomes — are still being worked through, and where that’s the case, we’ve said so honestly rather than guessing. If your question isn’t answered here, or you’d like to talk about what this means for your family member or the person you represent, please get in touch with your point of contact below.
What has changed
What exactly is changing?
Recent changes to the SCHADS Award have changed the way sleepover shifts are treated for rostering purposes. A sleepover period is no longer treated as a break between rostered work, which means some of DCR’s existing roster patterns — including some that have been in place for a long time, will need to change to meet the updated requirements. DCR is now working through what new roster arrangements will look like for each home.
Why is this change happening now?
The Fair Work Commission has updated the rules about how sleepover shifts are treated under the SCHADS Award. DCR needs to update its roster arrangements to meet these updated requirements.
Is this something DCR has chosen to do, or is it required?
This is not a change DCR has chosen to make independently. It results from changes to the SCHADS Award which DCR needs to respond to, and update its roster arrangements.
Does this mean support or services are being reduced?
No. This change is about how support rosters are structured, not about reducing services. DCR remains committed to providing safe, reliable and consistent support for the people we care for.
What this means for the people we care for
Will the support worker(s) who currently support my family member change?
For some clients, a change in roster pattern may also mean a change to which support workers are rostered on. DCR is looking closely at each home’s current relationships and working to keep familiar Support Workers involved wherever possible. Not every house will be affected in the same way, and any change specific to your situation will be discussed with you directly.
Why might some support workers no longer be able to continue supporting the same client?
As new roster arrangements are developed, a number of factors need to be considered. This includes each client’s support needs, existing relationships, and Support Worker availability. This may mean that in some cases, the mix of Support Workers supporting a client/person changes Wherever possible, DCR will seek to keep familiar relationships and continuity of support.
Will my family member's daily routine change?
No. The roster changes are not intended to change the services provided under your family member’s Service Agreement. Our priority is to maintain existing routines and continuity of support wherever possible. We will talk with you directly if proposed roster changes may affect your family members’ support arrangements.
Will the quality or safety of support be affected?
DCR’s commitment to safe, familiar, and consistent support will not change and remains the same throughout this process. Any new roster arrangements will be planned with each client’s safety and quality of care as the priority.
How will DCR decide what happens for my family member specifically?
DCR is reviewing each home individually — looking at each client’s needs, the support relationships already in place, and practical factors like support worker availability and operational requirements to design a roster solution tailored to that home. Decisions are not being made in a blanket, one-size-fits-all way.
Will everyone be affected in the same way?
No. The impact will differ from home to home and person to person, depending on individual circumstances, existing rosters and support relationships.
Will I be told before any change is made to my family member's support?
Yes. Where a change may affect the Support Workers that are providing Support to your family member or the person you represent, DCR will contact you directly to discuss this before the change is implemented.
What is DCR doing to protect familiar relationships and routines?
Keeping familiar support workers involved where possible is a key focus of this work. DCR is considering how each client and home can be supported under new roster arrangements in a way that protects the routines and relationships that matter most to your family member.
The relationships built in each home shape trust, routines, communication and the confidence families feel in the support being provided. As we work through these changes, we will keep those relationships in front of our minds and protect them wherever possible.
Thank you for the trust you continue to show in DCR.
Where to direct your questions
Who is my point of contact for questions about my family member's support?
Sue Strong is your point of contact for questions about your family member’s support arrangements. Many families already have a relationship with Sue, and she will be available to talk through any questions or concerns you have as this work progresses.
You can email her at sstrong@directcareresources.com.au or call her on: 0428 510 846.
Is there anything I need to do right now?
No action is required from you at this stage. If a change may affect your family member’s support arrangements, DCR will contact you directly. If you have questions in the meantime, please get in touch with Sue Strong using the details above.
A note on this document
This FAQ reflects DCR’s approved communication position as at the date of preparation. It will be updated as more information is confirmed. It is intended to support open conversation, not replace it — please keep asking questions through Sue Strong, or your family’s usual DCR contact.