• Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

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Image: report - NQF discussion paper

01 March 2010This discussion paper is part of consultations to develop a national quality framework (NQF) that will maximise the outcomes and life opportunities for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
A national quality framework (NQF) aims to deliver ongoing improvement and better integration of services delivered by specialist homelessness and allied and mainstream organisations.

Some 105,000 Australians experience homelessness on any given day. Many others are at risk of becoming homeless. People who are homeless or at risk are one of the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in our community.

All governments are committed to improving outcomes for people who are homeless and reducing the overall number of homeless people. A national quality framework will provide a platform for services to deliver an improved and more integrated service response to clients with greater national consistency. This will assist people who are homeless to get the help and support they need when they need it which will improve their long term outcomes.

At a meeting in September 2009, Housing Ministers from the Commonwealth and each state and territory agreed to progress the development of a NQF to improve the quality of services delivered to people who are homeless.

All governments acknowledge that the best way to develop a NQF is through a national consultation process in partnership with people experiencing homelessness and the organisations that deliver
services to them.

People experiencing homelessness are a diverse group of people, many of whom have multiple and complex needs.

Services to address these needs are delivered by a variety of organisations across a range of sectors. Large agencies, church-based charities, small community-based organisations, local governments and state, territory and Commonwealth government departments all deliver services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Some of these organisations can be defined as specialist homelessness services – organisations that are funded to deliver services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Specialist homelessness services are critical to addressing the needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Services include crisis accommodation, supported accommodation, transitional support, crisis support, housing information and referral, etc.

Mainstream and allied services also have a central role in addressing the needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Centrelink provides income support, state and territory governments deliver housing outcomes through public and community housing, and hospitals, community health centres, mental health services and drug and alcohol clinics respond to the health needs of this client group.

Consultation process

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is leading a joint Commonwealth and State and Territory consultation process to develop a National Quality Framework for services delivered to people who are homeless.

Workshop details

Image: report - NQF discussion paper