Delivery of Support Services. In NSW, there are a number of long term accommodation and support programs for homeless people based on the Housing First approach that have been developed in partnership with a range of Government human service agencies and non-government organisations. NSW will use the principles of this approach in the provision of support for APTCH clients. Packages of support will be provided or coordinated by agencies that are signatories to the NSW Housing and Human Services Accord (the Accord). The Accord is an agreement between ten NSW Government human services and justice agencies which provides the framework for cross-agency partnerships that improve access to social housing and support for people with complex needs, including homeless people. The Accord includes an evaluation framework and a client information sharing schedule. To ensure there is a consistent approach to how support is coordinated across NSW, a statewide Operating Agreement will be developed under the Accord Shared Access model during 2008. The Shared Access Model involves signatory agencies working together to develop an agreed joint assessment process for assisting mutual clients with complex housing need. This includes nominating clients, allocating appropriate housing, supporting clients and responding to their changing needs, reviewing client need at the end of the tenure period, and developing exit strategies. The aim of the model is to improve pathways for clients with complex housing needs into the social housing and support systems, providing more options for these clients, and improving links between social housing and support. Regionally based Accord Coordinators employed by Housing NSW will work with participating housing and support agencies under the Accord arrangements.
Delivery of Support Services
