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DCJ has recently released a full report of its SHS program evaluation.
The evaluation, conducted by Ernst & Young, aimed to understand the SHS system and the outcomes it is achieving, as well as providing strategic direction and advice for the program’s future. Specifically, the review examined whether the SHS program was currently meeting its objectives and was providing value for money.
The following is a summary of the report’s findings.
The evaluation found that the SHS Program has had some success in achieving short-term goals. Approximately 30% of clients in need of short-term accommodation were able to access it, with 28% transitioning to community housing and over 20% moving into public housing after receiving SHS support. Additionally, the program effectively met the needs of over 80% of clients seeking assistance with domestic and family violence services in FY 21/22.
Despite these successes, the evaluation highlighted several areas where it believes the SHS Program currently falls short.
The evaluation found that 60.3% of clients returned within the same year, often due to unresolved housing issues, domestic violence, or relationship breakdowns.
The evaluation indicated that it was unable to fully provide recommendations on the economic efficiency of the program due to limited data. However, based on available data, including the low rates of met need and high rates of repeat presentations for the same service, the evaluation found that the SHS program had a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.02, indicating only a small economic benefit.
Based on these findings, the evaluation put forward 23 recommendations focusing on:
These include:
DCJ has indicated that it will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to review and consider each recommendation identified in the evaluation. They have also indicated that the findings and recommendations will guide the SHS program approach in preparation of the commencement of the five-year contracts starting in July 2026.
December 11, 2020
NSW homelessness services continued to experience high demand during a period that included bushfires and a pandemic – data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows in 2019/2020 over 70,300 clients were supported by homelessness services in New South Wales.