Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) was formed in April 2001. The new Department brought together the former Ageing and Disability Department, Disability Services from the Department of Community Services, and the Home Care Service of NSW.
The new organisation was a logical progression from the establishment of the Ageing and Disability Department in 1995 and the administrative separation of disability from child protection services within the Department of Community Services in 2000. The Department has responsibility for supporting older people, people with a disability and their families and carers.
The Home Care Service of NSW reports to the Director-General as part of DADHC but continues to operate as a Statutory Authority.
Home Care Service of New South Wales
In 1943, the Housekeepers Emergency Service was established to ‘engage suitable women to provide housekeeping assistance for cases of illness, childbirth or other emergencies’. From these modest beginnings, Home Care has grown into an organisation which in 2000/2001 will assist 55,000 people throughout New South Wales. Through its network of 43 branches and 98 service outlets, Home Care will provide in excess of 3.8 million hours of service.
In April 2001, with the creation of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, The Home Care Service reports to the Director General of this new Department. Home Care but continues to operate as a Statutory Corporation with governance through an Advisory Board.