In an affluent and western democratic country such as Australia, despite universal health care and comprehensive social security systems some people are still homeless. Homelessness is a difficult and complex social issue that often has devastating consequences for those affected by it. Despite the traditional image of homeless people as older men or street kids, there are increasing numbers of single women, families and young people joining single adult males in homelessness. Indigenous Australians are especially over-represented in the homeless population (AIHW, 2004). Social policy commentators have consistently recognised homeless people as the most marginalised section of Australian society. Many people experiencing homelessness face a range of problems, including unemployment, substance abuse and mental health problems. People with a severe mental illness may be the most vulnerable and disadvantaged persons within the homeless population.
The prevention of homelessness and the provision of adequate housing is a crucial social policy issue facing Australia. The Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP) is Australia's primary service delivery response to homelessness. SAAP is a jointly funded Australian and state and territory government program assisting people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless (including women and children escaping domestic violence) to achieve the maximum possible degree of self-reliance and independence through a range of support and transitional accommodation services. The Australian Government has a policy leadership role and state and territory governments are responsible for the day-to-day management of the program.
Since May 2000, the National Homelessness Strategy (NHS) has been the focus of the Australian Government's response to the problem of homelessness by setting the framework for future policy and program development in this area. The NHS provides a strategic approach to the prevention and reduction of homelessness across Australia through means of prevention and early intervention. The following objectives were identified to help achieve this outcome:
to provide a strategic framework that will improve collaboration and linkages between existing programs and services, to improve outcomes for clients and reduce the incidence of homelessness;1
to identify best practice models, which can be promoted and replicated, that will enhance existing homelessness policies and programs;
to build the capacity of the community sector to improve linkages and networks; and
to raise awareness of the issue of homelessness throughout all areas and levels of government and in the community.
The NHS seeks to achieve these objectives in a manner consistent with the following four themes:
Working Together in a Social Coalition;
Prevention;
Early Intervention; and
Crisis Transition and Support.