Addressing locational disadvantage effectively

  This report is the final output of a synthesis examining the nature of locational disadvantage and ways in which governments can intervene to improve the lives of disadvantaged residents in areas of concentrated poverty and disadvantage. The report outlines the synthesis methodology used, then explores the complex and contested concept of locational disadvantage. This is followed by discussion of some interventions used in the US, UK and EU to improve the life chances of residents of disadvantaged areas, leading to conclusions about broad principles for achieving lasting improvements.   A presentation based on the report was made at the Shelter NSW Welcome Home Conference, 29 June 2011.  The presentation is available on the Shelter NSW website.   Commissioned by Housing New South Wale

What makes case management work for people experiencing homelessness?

Case management has been central to homelessness assistance practice in Australia since at least the early 1990s, when it was adopted as a key strategy to enhance the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP). The approach was formally documented in 1997 with the release of the SAAP Case Management Resource Kit. This research synthesis project was initiated with the intention to provide a rigorous and independent evidence base for informing practice and policy, in particular the negotiation of the next SAAP program agreement.The research synthesis aims to provide an evidence-based understanding of how case management works to contribute to the development of more effective responses to the needs of people experiencing homelessness. This report defines case management and synthesises the international scientific evidence on case management practice for the homelessness sector

Evidence for improving access to homelessness services

This report details evidence about current access to homelessness services, the several barries faced by the destitute and an overview of approaches used to improve access to alleviating services. Despite the limitations of the existing evidence base, findings about access to services and service systems for homeless people are consistent on the following points: Despite the limitations of the existing evidence base, findings about access to services and service systems for homeless people are consistent on the following points: Homeless people face significant barriers in accessing both mainstream services and specialist homelessness services, with fragmentation and complexity a key criticism of both service systems. Poor visibility of existing homelessness services is a common complaint from homeless people, with a lack of knowledge of availability of services being one of the major barriers to service usage. Those who are newly homeless are much less likely to know about available resources and services than people who have experienced homelessness either periodically or chronically. The initial experience of homeless services is critical in determining service usage, with negative experiences likely to make them withdraw from active help-seeking. While there are common barriers across the homeless population, there are also specific barriers and access issues faced by different target groups. Given the complexity and diversity of need across the homeless population, access points must incorporate high quality assessment and referral processes to enable an adequate response to be provided. Incorporating consumer perspectives into service model design and practice could assist in developing more accessible and effective Image: moriza / flick

Addressing locational disadvantage effectively

This report is the final output of a synthesis examining the nature of locational disadvantage and ways in which governments can intervene to improve the lives of disadvantaged residents in areas of concentrated poverty and disadvantage.The report outlines the synthesis methodology used, then explores the complex and contested concept of locational disadvantage.This is followed bydiscussion of some interventions used in the US, UK and EU to improve the life chances of residents of disadvantaged areas, leading to conclusions about broad principles for achieving lasting improvements. (Detailed summaries of the studies that inform this synthesis are located in the appendix)