Question On Notice No. 6356 asked in the Legislative Assembly on 11 August 2020 by Mr A. Krsticevic
Question Directed to the: Minister for Community Services
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
Question
I refer to the City of Mandurah's two-year trial of a homelessness assertive outreach service, and ask:
(a) has the Department of Communities had any input into this program, and if yes, please provide details;
(b) is the Department of Communities providing any funding to support the program, and if so, how much;
(c) why are the WA Police involved in this project;
(d) what is the expected cost of the program over the trial period;
(e) what sort of outreach services will be delivered;
(f) how many beds are available in Mandurah/Peel region for people experiencing homelessness; and
(g) will any additional homelessness beds be provided to support this program?
Answered on 15 September 2020
(a) The Department of Communities (Communities) is a member of the interagency homelessness group co-ordinated by the City of Mandurah and has provided input to the development of local initiatives to address homelessness, including the assertive outreach trial.
(b) No.
(c-d) Funding for the assertive outreach trial is being provided by the WA Police.
(e) The City of Mandurah’s assertive outreach service will:
- directly approach people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to encourage them to access available services
- connect clients to drug and alcohol, housing, health and mental health services through referrals or other appropriate means
- provide clients with the skills, information and options they need to be empowered through a case management approach
- develop networks and work collaboratively with support services and government agencies to provide a seamless service, and
- develop close working relationships with the City’s Ranger services, City Security officers and local businesses to maintain up-to-date information on trends, issues and needs in the area.
(f) Communities currently funds the following services in the Mandurah/Peel Region:
- Calvary Youth Services Mandurah Inc to provide a youth accommodation service in the Peel Region with a capacity of 11 young people.
- Pat Thomas House Inc, trading as OVIS Community Services, to provide a Family and Domestic Violence accommodation and Support service with a capacity for six women with or without children.
(g) The City of Mandurah’s assertive outreach trial will be supported by investment in additional homelessness accommodation and support services under the Housing First Homelessness Initiative (Initiative). Under the Initiative, $34.5million over five years is available to house individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness using a range of housing options, including private rental subsidies, with tailored, wrap-around supports. Communities is working closely with the City of Mandurah to align the proposed assertive outreach trial with the accommodation and support that will be delivered under the Initiative.