TY  - RPRT
AB  - Indigenous clients who receive support through Tenant Support Programs to sustain their tenancies, are linked to external support programs to meet their non-housing needs and avoid homelessness. This study identified 18 specialist tenant support programs in Australia in 2009, five of which provided targeted support to Indigenous people. The limited data available on the outcomes of tenant support programs, suggests positive results. There is also evidence to suggest that Indigenous clients gain an appropriate level of access to tenant support programs, although the administrative data is limited. Strong linkage with outside agencies is a key element that ensures the success of tenant support programs. These programs must not only address the immediate tenancy-related issues that led to referral to the program, but also the underlying needs of clients such as mental health concerns, drug and alcohol dependence issues, urban life skills and strengthening family relationships. 

Through a combination of a policy related literature search, a survey of all known tenant support program providers, a series of site visits, and in depth case studies in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia this research identified eighteen specialist tenant support programs operating in Australia that assist tenants at risk of losing their tenancy to avoid eviction and entry into homelessness. Five specifically provided support to Indigenous people. Mainstream programs also often include services providing targeted assistance to Indigenous tenants. The limited data available on the outcomes of tenant support programs, suggests positive results. For example, the HOME Advice program’s Wodlinattoai service for Indigenous clients in South Australia reported that of the 27 referrals to the program in 2007-08, all clients sustained their tenancies. There is evidence to suggest that Indigenous clients gain an appropriate level of access to tenant support programs, although the administrative data is limited. The mainstream Supported Housing Assistance Program (SHAP) in Western Australia, for example, supports the most Indigenous households of any tenant support program in Australia; 548 in 2007-2008, compared with 346 non-Indigenous households. Strong linkage with outside agencies is a key element that ensures the success of tenant support programs. These programs must not only address the immediate tenancy-related issues that led to referral to the program, but also the underlying needs of clients such as mental health concerns, drug and alcohol dependence issues, urban life skills and strengthening family relationships. 
AU  - Flatau, Paul
AU  - Coleman, Anne
AU  - Memmott, Paul
AU  - Baulderstone, Jo
AU  - Slatter, Michele
L1  - internal-pdf://1255332826/Â鶹Éç_Final_Report_No138_Sustaining at-risk In.pdf
M1  - 80372
M3  - FR
NV  - 80372
PB  - Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute Limited
PY  - 2009
ST  - Sustaining at-risk Indigenous tenancies: a review of Australian policy responses
T2  - Â鶹Éç Final Report No. 138
TI  - Sustaining at-risk Indigenous tenancies: a review of Australian policy responses
UR  - /research/final-reports/138
ID  - 606
ER  -