Overview
Over recent years, some non-government organisations delivering out-of-home care services have reported difficulty in renewing or obtaining insurance policies with cover for physical and sexual abuse (PSA) claims, following commercial insurers withdrawing PSA cover from the market.
In response to this, the State Government has established the PSA Indemnity Scheme for out-of-home care, youth homelessness accommodation, youth bail services and youth transitional accommodation program providers unable to obtain insurance for PSA claims.
The PSA Indemnity Scheme will commence from 1 January 2026.
Eligibility
Eligibility for the State Government PSA Indemnity Scheme is limited to non-government organisations contracted by, the Department of Communities (Communities) to deliver out-of-home care and/or youth homelessness accommodation services, and the Department of Justice (Justice) to deliver youth bail services and/or youth transitional accommodation program services, who have been unable to obtain insurance cover for PSA claims.
Accessing the PSA Indemnity Scheme is voluntary. Service providers are advised to consider the if the cover offered is appropriate for their organisation.
Organisations should contact their relevant contract manager at Communities or Justice with any queries regarding the PSA Indemnity Scheme. To access the PSA Indemnity Scheme, eligible services must complete the relevant PSA Indemnity Scheme Application Form (download below) and provide a current Uninsurable Risk Notice.
Indemnity Fees
Annual risk-based indemnity fees are determined by the Insurance Commission of WA and will be payable under the State Government PSA Indemnity Scheme.
Temporary Indemnity Arrangements
Since 2021, the State Government has implemented temporary indemnity arrangements for non-government organisations contracted by, Communities to deliver out-of-home care and/or youth homelessness accommodation services, and Justice to deliver youth bail services and/or youth transitional accommodation program services, who have been unable to obtain insurance cover for PSA claims.
The interim PSA Indemnity Scheme will conclude on 31 December 2025.
Organisations under the temporary indemnity arrangements should contact their relevant contract manager at Communities or Justice with any queries regarding the interim PSA Indemnity Scheme.
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