Supported Housing Task and Finish Group Summary Report
This sub-group of the Homelessness Prevention and Strategy Group was set up to consider the future role of supported housing for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This is a summary of the main report.
7. The circumstances in which it should be used
7.1 There are two main circumstances in which supported housing offers an option for people who have connected with homelessness services:
(i) As a health and social care centred response for:
a. Some people who lack capacity to comprehend a standard tenancy agreement and/or the consequences of not meeting its conditions (such as an acquired brain injury resulting in severe cognitive impairment).
b. Some people whose health or social care needs exceed what can realistically be catered for in mainstream housing.
A person should be able to choose to opt out of a supported housing option, even if they meet one or both of these descriptions.
Or:
(ii) As a housing and homelessness centred response for people who do not fit the description at point (i) above, but who:
a. Expressly do not want (or have not sustained) mainstream housing, including Housing First.
b. Expressly do want shared and supported housing.
c. Are a young person under 25 who wants to stay in supported housing (which can be considered transitional, not temporary).
7.2 While the routes to supported housing and reasons for choosing it will be unique within and across both categories, we intend no differentiation between the type of supported housing service. This overarching approach is what will enable consistency in quality of environment, care and support.