NARSA's objectives are to assist caregivers to provide a safe, healthy environment for young students living away from their home and families during the school term. This is reflected in the ongoing programs designed to develop specialised training for residential supervisors, hostel 'parents', staff and committee members for the unique roles they play in the lives of these students.

Among parents, students, teachers and supervisors in residential colleges there is a growing expectation that boarding service providers are seen to be more accountable to all stakeholders and that there be greater transparency in their organisational and management structures.

This imposes the need for a strict duty of care to be maintained in student residential facilities at all times.

Residential staff are required to be committed to:
• providing the highest standard of pastoral care to the students entrusted to their charge
• providing a positive environment that will promote the students' social, emotional, educational and physical development
• maintaining a quality and professional relationship with colleagues

1. Staff are encouraged to access and read the Study Skills to Assist Students and consider the ways in which they might be of assistance, particularly to senior students in their care.



2. Student Advancement outlines the Indigenous Youth Mobility Programme (IYMP), the Australian Government’s Indigenous Australians Opportunity and Responsibility commitment for students who have completed their secondary schooling and are seeking accommodation while they further their studies.



3. The NARSA Lending Library offers a selection of books, videos and DVDs that are available to NARSA members.



4. Access to links that will assist young people who are having difficulties at home or school is provided in Access to Student Counselling Services. This also includes information regarding training or employment options.