Social Housing & Homelessness – Concept Paper – Foyer Model
Youth Foyer Proposed Model Paper
Youth Foyer – An initiative of the ACT Government’s proposal for housing and homelessness services under the National Affordable Housing Agreement.
Social Housing and Homelessness Services,
(the community face of Housing ACT)
Department of Disability Housing and Community Services.
APPROVAL
DECISION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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The proposed model and implementation plan for the Youth Foyer:
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Is approved; or
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Does not proceed; or
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Is to be resubmitted incorporating recommended changes hereunder: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Signature
Martin Hehir
Chief Executive Officer
September 2010
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DOCUMENT CONTROL
Document Name:
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Youth Foyer Model Paper
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Original Draft Date:
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August 2010
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Document Author:
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Robert Martin
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Document Location:
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Revision History
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Date
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Draft number
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Draft Details
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1
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2
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3
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Executive Summary Page 4
Chapter 2 Introduction Page 14
Chapter 3 Proposed Model Page 19
Chapter 4 Model Options Considered Page 24
Chapter 5 Location and Building Page 30
Chapter 6 Governance and Management Page 34
Chapter 7 Funding Model Page 41
Chapter 8 Foyer Operations Page 44
Appendix 1 About Foyers Page 58
Appendix 2 Examples of Foyers Page 64
Chapter 1 Executive Summary
Background
The proposal to establish a Youth Foyer type model in the ACT is an initiative under the National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness (NPAH). This initiative is being developed under a range of service delivery and policy reforms aimed at improving homeless outcomes outlined in the ‘ACT Road Map’.
The Youth Foyer will contribute to meeting targets under the NPAH and address issues of social inclusion including the support of persons from CALD backgrounds and responding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage.
Purpose
The main purposes of this paper are:
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to present a proposed model for the introduction of a foyer type service for homeless youth that provides accommodation, support and training in a safe and secure environment;
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to address a number of issues that have been identified in relation to the applicability of the Foyer model in the ACT context; and
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whether such a model would provide for the needs of the youth target group, be cost effective, administratively feasible and sustainable in the longer term.
Objectives
The key objectives of the initiative are to:
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implement a model similar to the Aberdeen Youth Foyer model adapted for use in the ACT context.
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achieve a model that will address youth homelessness as well as the outcomes and goals of the NPAH.
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develop a proposal that will meet cost efficiency and sustainability requirements of Housing ACT.
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engage organisations to support the model in the ACT such as training and educational institutions, community organisations etc.
Key Risks
The key risks to the Foyer model are:
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Ineffective linkages to employment, education and training resulting in continuance of the gap in the service system for provision of accommodation/ training to young homeless persons.
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Commonwealth targets for reduction in homelessness under National Partnership Agreements may not be met if Foyer not effective in breaking cycle of homelessness for young persons.
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Sustainability and funding for the Youth Foyer in the longer term given present per capita funding arrangements under NAHA.
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Suitable building to house Foyer may not be obtainable and model outcomes compromised.
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Too many high needs cases may increase risk of success of Foyer model.
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Non engagement of community support, linkages and sponsorship.
Scope and Linked Initiatives/ Projects
The tables below provide an outline of matters that are in scope, out of scope and other new initiatives or projects that are linked or may have a relationship with the Youth Foyer.
In Scope
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Out of Scope
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A youth accommodation model that provides:
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for short to medium term transitional accommodation.
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incorporates, training, education or work attendance.
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a reciprocal agreement between provider and participants based on accommodation for learning or earning.
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for community engagement and social inclusion.
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cost effectiveness and sustainability in the long term.
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Long term accommodation model.
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A model that does not incorporate training, education or work attendance.
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A model that does not provide for social inclusion.
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A model that is not sustainable
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Linked Initiatives/ Projects
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Specialist youth homelessness services.
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Common Waiting List.
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Central Access Point.
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Housing Accommodation Support Initiative.
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Assistance for people exiting Correctional facilities.
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Expanded Transitional Housing Program.
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Support for Public Housing Tenants.
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Street to Home.
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A Place to Call Home.
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Youth services program and family services program integrated model.
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Youth Homelessness Research Project.
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Issues
Key issues examined and addressed in this paper included the:
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Operational model and fit with existing services.
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Target group.
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Safety and security of participants.
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Service linkages.
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Management and operation.
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Partnerships – for programs, operations and tenancy.
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Quality assurance system and monitoring (Office of Registrar requirements).
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Sustainability (cost efficiencies, sponsorship).
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Social inclusion and community engagement.
It will be important for the success of the initiative that these issues are discussed and raised in the proposed community consultations.
Options Considered
The following options were analysed to meet the scope and objectives of the paper:
Option
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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1. Adopt a Foyer model that meets accreditation requirements of the Foyer Foundation.
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Ensures policies and standards of the Foyer Foundation are maintained.
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Provides a proven system that assists the majority of tenants.
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Provides access to Foyer Foundation and new developments.
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HACT may not agree with policies and standards of the Foyer Foundation that will need to be implemented.
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Foyer model/system may not fit the ACT context.
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Requires registration and accreditation fees to be paid to Foyer Foundation.
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2. Implement a model using Foyer philosophies adjusted for the ACT context.
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Will fit with other youth services in the ACT.
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Provides access to all youth at risk of homelessness.
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May still require registration and accreditation if Foyer “Brand” or ‘philosophies” used.
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Does not provide additional resources for high support group.
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Requires formal referral process and contract with tenants.
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3. Introduction of a unique model for the ACT context.
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Will fill gap in youth services in the ACT.
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Links to other ACT programs for youth.
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Provides access to all youth at risk of homelessness.
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Provide effective exiting and move on strategies for participants to break homeless cycle.
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Requires service standards to be developed.
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Need for rules for tenants and non-compliance processes.
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Limited streaming of assessments.
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Preferred Model Option
The preferred option for the project is Option 3 outlined above for the following reasons:
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Allows a policy framework to be developed that targets assistance to those most in need and meet targets under the NPAH.
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Is a unique model that considers the ACT context and meets the needs of homeless youth in Canberra.
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It implements a cost effective model with minimal capital outlay ($100,000 for furniture and facilities).
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Cost effective and sustainable service.
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Links support, training and mentoring in one model that addresses youth needs.
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Provides access to all homeless youth but requires the agreement and commitment of youth before they are referred to and accepted by the program (and provided with accommodation and support services).
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Registration, accreditation and fees payable to the Foyer Federation would not be necessary.
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Tenancy management and support services may be provided by Housing ACT or in partnership with a service provider.
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Allows for engagement of community organisations and formation of partnerships to operate the foyer or provide other services such as Mentoring etc.
Proposed Youth Foyer Model in the ACT
The unique ACT Youth Foyer Model will be based on a networked foyer model similar to that operating in Aberdeen in Scotland. This type of Youth Foyer has a central hub networked to satellite accommodation in the wider district. It is considered a best fit for the ACT with a central civic area and the regional areas of Tuggeranong, Woden and Gungahlin. In this way youth all across the ACT can be supported in accommodation that is a short distance from their educational facilities or work.
The proposed ACT Model is outlined hereunder:
Five key features of the ACT model
1. Homeless young persons participating in the model will develop skills to assist their employment prospects through participation in work, work-experience, work skills training or education.
2. Personal development programmes will assist homeless young persons with self advocacy giving them an ability to make positive life choices.
3. Appropriate adult mentors will provide all young homeless persons with good role models and confidants.
4. All young persons will be introduced to and encouraged to participate in community-based activities.
5. Encouragement for all participants to have social interaction and have social inclusion outcomes.
Proposed Built Form
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Apartment style accommodation for 40 youths in one main building at Block 1, Section 13 Braddon and in other suitable Housing ACT properties that are close to transport and facilities.
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A built form for the Youth Foyer consisting of a 9 unit stairwell and a 6 unit block of the 42 unit Apartment Complex in Braddon accommodating 28 youths in shared accommodation. One unit would likely be used either as an office and for a resident Manager /Caretaker or to provide a communal meeting area.
Target Group
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Target group will be a mix of homeless youth or those at risk of homelessness who are students, undergoing an apprintership or who are working.
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They will consist of youth with low to medium needs.
Case Management
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Case Management will provide for Individual Case Plans including individual needs assessments and individual goal plans agreed to by participants with an agreement entered into by each participant.
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One prime casework manager to support participants as individuals and address individual needs.
Partnerships and linkages
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Community partnerships and linkages to undertake programs, skills development, training and activities including mentoring.
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Business partnerships for social enterprise.
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Linkages to Education and Training Institutions.
Governance and Management
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One overall Operational Management Service Provider and other Management partnerships to support operations, programs (including mentoring) and tenancies.
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Provision of 24/7 support on site, with resident manager or supervisor.
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Governance Committee
Funding
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There are seven pillars of Youth Foyer funding which need to be utilised to ensure sustainability – these are Government funding, donations, memberships, social enterprise, events, sponsorships and grants.
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Opportunities for social enterprise.
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Engagement of Business, Community and Government to fund Youth Foyer.
Safety and Security of Participants
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Safety and Security of facilities for participants
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CEPTED security incorporated in site and building development.
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Video and intercom at front entry door and connected to apartments.
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On site Manager/Supervisor/Mentor.
Deliverables
The following table outlines the key pieces of work that need to be completed to implement the proposed Youth Foyer model (option 3) in the ACT:
Deliverables
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Timeframe for delivery
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1.Development of a proposed Model
Prepare paper for a proposed model.
Source built form.
Obtain Executive approval for proposed model.
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Present to
30 August 2010
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2.Consultation and development of Model
Prepare consultation paper.
Consult with key stakeholders and community on proposed model.
Finalise delivery model taking into account feedback received from key stakeholders, consultations and input from Review of Youth Homelessness sub-sector.
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1 September 2010 to
30 October 2010
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3.Procurement
Implement procurement processes and finalise tender for service.
Engage selected service provider to implement proposed model.
Identify community partners and establish partnerships and community linkages.
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1 November 2011 to
30 December 2010
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4.Implementation
Implement proposed model and select participants.
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1 February 2011 to
30 June 2011
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5.Review and Evaluation
Undertake post implementation review 3 months after implementation.
Organise and undertake initial evaluation 12 months after implementation.
Organise and undertake full evaluation 2 years after implementation
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PIR:1 August 2011 to
30 December 2011
Initial Evaluation:
1 July 2012 to
30 September 2012
Full Evaluation:
1 July 2013 to
30 September 2013
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