Short Term Emergency Placement (STEP)

A Short-Term Emergency Placement (STEP) is 1:1 emergency accommodation and support model for children and young people aged 12 - 17 years of age with high and complex needs that are in, or at risk of, imminent entry into an Alternative Care Arrangement or Individual Placement Arrangement.

 It is only used after every effort has been made to place the child or young person in a contracted out-of-home care (OOHC) arrangement. 

STEP arrangements include: 

• 1:1 (child to care worker) placement
• Home-like accommodation (e.g. house, unit, serviced apartment)
• Direct care is predominately provided by staff from a residential care accredited agency
• Up to 12 weeks duration (extension possible in exceptional circumstances).