DASHBOARD 2021 The Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement Framework: Centre for Social Impact
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The Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement Framework: DASHBOARD 2021 VERSION 3.0 July 2021 Paul Flatau, Leanne Lester, Jenny Fairthorne, Kiara Minto, Katherine Mok, Zoe Callis Centre for Social Impact The University of Western Australia Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness
Authors Paul Flatau, Leanne Lester, Jenny Fairthorne, Kiara Minto, Katherine Mok, Zoe Callis Authors of previous versions of the Dashboard include Catherine Bock, Jacob Baron, Ali Mollinger-Sahba, and Zoe Callis Centre for Social Impact The University of Western Australia (CSI UWA) Key words Homelessness; Ending Homelessness; Australia; Western Australia; Outcomes Framework; Outcomes Measurement; Evaluation Publisher Centre for Social Impact, Business School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia DOI https://doi.org/10.25916/mvjd-mt92 Format Printed; PDF online only URL www.csi.edu.au/research/project/ending-homelessness-outcomes-framework-dashboard Recommended citation Flatau, P., Lester, L., Fairthorne, J., Minto, K., Mok, K., and Callis, Z. (2021). The Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation Framework: Dashboard. Version 3.0 July 2021. Perth: The University of Western Australia, Centre for Social Impact. Address for correspondence Professor Paul Flatau Director, Centre for Social Impact The University of Western Australia The Business School The University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA, 6009 Australia paul.flatau@uwa.edu.au The Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH) The WA Alliance to End Homelessness is comprised of a group of individuals and organisations that have come together to end homelessness in Western Australia. Project Funding: Lotterywest Acknowledgement The original development of the Outcomes Framework and the accompanying Data Dictionary, Dashboard and Homelessness in Western Australia report was supported by a Lotterywest grant to Shelter WA. Version 2 of the Dashboard was financed by the CSI UWA while version 3 was funded by Lotterywest. Disclaimer The opinions in this report reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness or any of its organisations.
CONTENTS Contents�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������i Figures���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ii Tables��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� iii 1. Introduction�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 1.1 Background��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 1.2 The broader context����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 1.3 The purpose of the Dashboard���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 2. The WAAEH 10-Year Strategy to End Homelessness Targets������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 7 3. Responding to Homelessness in Western Australia������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 3.1 Reducing the overall rate of homelessness���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9 3.2 Reducing Aboriginal homelessness�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 3.3 Reducing regional homelessness������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 23 3.4 Reducing chronic homelessness������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28 3.5 Addressing the needs of those experiencing homelessness����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 30 4. Preventing Homelessness�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 4.1 Housing affordability���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 4.2 Housing Supply�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 4.3 Poverty and unemployment��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 4.4 Young people in custody and out-of-home care�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 43 4.5 Physical and mental health ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 45 4.6 Alcohol and drug use��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 49 4.7 Domestic violence ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������53 5. Future Developments in the Dashboard������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 54 6. References������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 56 #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | i
FIGURES Figure 1.1 Summary of WAAEH Outputs�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5 Figure 3.1 The rate of homelessness among persons aged 15 years and over in Western Australia (Census)�������10 Figure 3.2 The rate of homelessness based on Specialist Homelessness Service clients in Western Australia (SHSC)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10 Figure 3.3 Number of clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Australia who were homeless on entry to support (SHSC)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Figure 3.4 Proportion of all Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Service clients who were homeless on entry to support (SHSC)����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Figure 3.5 Number of clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Australia who were at risk of homelessness on entry to support (SHSC)���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Figure 3.6 Proportion of all Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Service clients who were at risk of homelessness on entry to support (SHSC)�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 Figure 3.7 Rate of homelessness for persons aged 15 years and over experiencing various forms of homelessness in Western Australia (Census)�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Figure 3.8 Housing tenure outcome for clients with closed support periods who were experiencing homelessness at the start of support in Western Australia, 2019–20 (SHSC)���������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Figure 3.9 Housing tenure outcomes for clients with closed support periods who were at risk of homelessness at the start of support in Western Australia, 2019–20 (SHSC)�����������������������������������������������������������������17 Figure 3.10 The overall rate of Aboriginal persons aged 15 years and over across all homeless categories in Western Australia (Census)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 19 Figure 3.11 Rate of Aboriginal persons aged 15 years and over living in improvised dwellings, tents, or sleeping out in Western Australia (Census)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 19 Figure 3.12 The proportion of those living in various forms of homelessness in Western Australia aged 15 years and over that identify as Aboriginal (Census)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 Figure 3.13 Number of clients who are Aboriginal accessing Specialist Homelessness Services (WA) (SHSC)��� 22 Figure 3.14 Percentage of clients who are Aboriginal accessing Specialist Homelessness Services (WA) (SHSC) 23 Figure 3.15 The proportion of Specialist Homelessness Services clients that live in regional Western Australia (SHSC)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Figure 3.16 The overall rate of persons aged 15 years and over across all homeless categories in regional Western Australia (Census)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Figure 3.17 Structure of homelessness across Western Australia, by remoteness (Census)������������������������������������� 26 Figure 3.18 Number of homeless persons by statistical area level 4 (SA4) (Census)���������������������������������������������������27 Figure 3.19 Proportion of Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritisation Decision Assistance Tool respondents that are chronically homeless (WA Advance to Zero)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 29 Figure 3.20 The proportion of Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Services clients that end their support periods with their immediate case management needs met/case management goals achieved (SHSC)������������� 31 ii | #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA
Figure 4.1 Proportion of Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritisation Decision Assistance Tool respondents chronically homeless (WA Advance to Zero)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 32 Figure 4.2 Proportion of low-income rental households spending more than 30 per cent of their gross income on housing costs (rental stress) (%), by location, 2007–08 to 2017–18 (WA) (ABS)���������������������������33 Figure 4.3 Proportion of low income households remaining in housing stress from one year to the next (%), by family type, 2001–04 to 2013–16 (Australia) (HILDA)�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 34 Figure 4.4 Housing affordability: housing costs as a proportion of household income, by tenure and landlord type, 1994–1995 to 2017–18 (WA) (ABS)����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������35 Figure 4.5 Home ownership: Households by tenure type (%), 1994–95 to 2017–18 (WA) (ABS)����������������������������� 36 Figure 4.6 Rental Market: Rental Affordability Index, WA, 2012 to 2020, Quarterly (SGS Economics and Planning)������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������37 Figure 4.7 Number of social housing dwellings, all areas, at 30 June 2006 to 30 June 2019 (WA) (AIHW)�������� 39 Figure 4.8 Total number of applicants on waiting list (excluding applicants for transfer), by social housing program, at 30 June 2014 to 2018 (Western Australia, AIHW)�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 39 Figure 4.9 Waiting time to secure public housing accommodation, from 2012 to 2017 (WA) (WA Housing Authority)���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������40 Figure 4.10 Western Australian poverty rates, 50% and 60% of median income (ACOSS/UNSW)����������������������� 41 Figure 4.11 Unemployment rate, youth and general population (WA) (ABS)���������������������������������������������������������������� 42 Figure 4.12 Youth detainees in custody by Aboriginal cultural identity (WA) (WA Corrective Services)����������� 43 Figure 4.13 Children in out-of-home care by Aboriginal cultural identity, number per 1,000 (WA) (AIHW)���� 44 Figure 4.14 People that report their health status as fair/poor (WA) (ABS)�������������������������������������������������������������������46 Figure 4.15 Proportion of persons with High/Very High psychological distress (WA) (ABS)�����������������������������������47 Figure 4.16 Age-standardised hospitalisation rates for a principal diagnosis of mental health related condition, 2004–05 to 2016–17 by Aboriginal cultural identity (WA) (AIHW)�������������������������������������������� 48 Figure 4.17 Alcohol Consumption, people aged 14 years or older, 2007 to 2019 (WA) (AIHW)�������������������������������� 49 Figure 4.18 Alcohol lifetime risk status, people aged 14 years or older, 2007 to 2019 (WA) (AIHW)��������������������� 50 Figure 4.19 Illicit Drug use (WA) (AIHW)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 51 Figure 4.20 Family violence offences, 2010–11 to 2019–20 (WA Police Force)�������������������������������������������������������������53 Figure 5.1 The multi-level, nested indicators of the WAAEH Framework����������������������������������������������������������������������55 TABLES Table 2.1 The WAAEH Strategy Targets��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Table 3.1 Number of clients by housing situation for clients with closed support periods in Western Australia 2019–20 (SHSC)��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10 #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | iii
1. INTRODUCTION This report presents the 2021 update to the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement Framework: Dashboard (the Dashboard), which was first released in August 2019, and updated in February 2020. The Dashboard is an evolving, accessible, and visual platform designed to present and report on outcomes relevant to the key targets of the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness (WAAEH). The Dashboard aims to answer the following question: Are we are ‘on track’ to end homelessness in Western Australia? 1.1 Background In July 2018, the WAAEH published the Strategy to End Homelessness (the Strategy). The Strategy articulates a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Western Australia, invoking a whole-of-society response. The Strategy comprises nine broad targets across the following areas: reducing and ending homelessness; preventing homelessness through addressing ‘structural’ and ‘individual’ drivers of homelessness; improving policy and practice within the service sector; and, improving measurement, accountability, collaboration, and governance mechanisms. Those targets relating to reducing, ending and preventing homelessness, which have been operationalised and for which data exists, form the backbone of the present version of the Dashboard. The Dashboard sits alongside both the Strategy and The Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation Framework (the Framework). The WAAEH, via Shelter WA, received funding from Lotterywest to develop the Framework to measure and monitor progress towards ending homelessness. The Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia (CSI UWA), a founding member of the WAAEH, undertook the task of developing the Framework. The Framework applies a complexity science approach to theorising systems of social change. This manifests itself in (a) the focus on a web of domains beyond simply the core homelessness targets; and, (b) the multi-level structure of the Framework—causal factors are identified across micro (individuals), meso (organisational, program and service indicators) and macro (population-level) levels of society. The complexity approach provides the rich platform to build the evidence base required to undertake effective practice and policymaking. The Framework is organised into seven domains, which are broad, conceptual ‘buckets’ into which one or more outcomes can fit. The seven domains that form the backbone of the Framework are: (1) The State of Homelessness; (2) Structural Factors; (3) Individual Factors; (4) Representation, Voice and Advocacy; (5) Resources; (6) Collaborative Efficacy; and (7) The Social Services Sector. Each domain is then divided into outcomes (such as Outcome 1.1 ‘Homelessness is decreased’) and further into specific indicators (e.g. Indicator 1.1.1 ‘Rates of overall homelessness’) and then into precise measures (e.g. 1.1.1.1 ‘The overall rate of persons aged 15 years and over across all homeless categories in Western Australia’). A comprehensive Framework needs to account for and assess the state of homelessness itself (e.g., the overall rate of homelessness, rates of rough sleeping or rates of chronic homelessness), the drivers into and exit out of homelessness and the efficacy of the homelessness service system response. At this juncture, we have focused on the state of homelessness itself and the drivers of homelessness. We hope to address the measurement of other components of the Framework, namely, policy and practice within the service sector; and, improving measurement, accountability, and governance mechanisms, soon. The Framework is accompanied by two documents; the Dashboard (Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement Framework: Dashboard) and the Data Dictionary (Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation Framework: Data Dictionary). 4 | #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA
Where we currently have data available, the Dashboard presents key measures related to the nine targets. The Dashboard, while still in early stages of development, has been expanded significantly since the first version of the prototype published in 2019. As compared with Version 1 of the Dashboard, the nine targets have been categorised into two overarching ending homelessness targets: (1) responding to homelessness targets, and (2) preventing homelessness targets. Responding to homelessness targets, detailed in section 3, examine the trends of the individuals experiencing homelessness and those accessing homelessness services to monitor the prevalence and response to homelessness in Western Australia. Preventing homelessness targets, in section 4, presents data on key drivers of homelessness (which relate to Target 4), indicating trends across housing, health, economic, labour market and social measures, with explanatory notes about the implication of this data for homelessness outcomes in Western Australia. The second related document the Data Dictionary, which operationalises the Framework by detailing the rationale, methodologies, targets and data for each measure of the Framework. The Data Dictionary is a comprehensive measurement tool and will be updated as the homelessness landscape in Western Australia evolves alongside policy, practice, and research. The Dashboard provides trends in key targets and brief comment on these trends. The Ending Homelessness in Western Australia 2021 Report (the Report) provides further commentary on these trends as well as providing a review of the initiatives, programs, and policies in Western Australia. The 2021 Report will be released in August 2021. Figure 1.1 summarises the interrelationships between the Strategy, the Framework, the Data Dictionary, the Dashboard, and the Report. FIGURE 1.1 Summary of WAAEH Outputs WAAEH Outcomes Measurement Framework: Data Dictionary (the Data Dictionary) WAAEH Outcomes WAAEH Strategy to Measurement and End Homelessness Evaluation Framework (the Strategy) (the Framework) WAAEH Outcomes Measurement Framework: Dashboard (the Dashboard) Ending homelessness The Ending in Western Australia Homelessness in Western An update on initiatives, Australia 2021 Report programs and evidence (the Report) #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | 5
1.2 The broader context The Strategy and Framework are not operating in a vacuum. There are common threads between this project and other community and government initiatives. The Western Australian Government’s Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity (2019a) report highlights key goals of the Western Australian Government across a range of sectors—including the economy, environment, education, community safety, Aboriginal wellbeing, and regional prosperity—which overlap with many of the population-level outcomes adopted in the Framework. The Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity whole-of- government targets program was deferred indefinitely when the WA Government focused attention on the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the WA Outcomes Measurement Framework presents a whole-of-sector approach to community outcomes in an interconnected, hierarchical wheel; this is in keeping with the approach of the WAAEH Framework which emphasises the interrelated nature of the drivers of homelessness and homelessness responses. Similarly, the WA Government’s Budget papers apply an Outcomes Framework to expenditures and policy directions that, in practical terms, will also contribute to achieving the WAAEH targets (Western Australian Government, 2020). Most importantly, since the publication of the WAAEH Strategy to End Homelessness and the publication of Version 1 of the Framework and Dashboard, the Western Australian Government has released All Paths Lead to a Home: Western Australia’s 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020–2030 (Western Australian Government, 2019b). The WA Government Homelessness Strategy is largely consistent with the WAAEH’s own homelessness strategy and includes a commitment to ending rough sleeping and chronic homelessness. All Paths Lead to a Home also includes a commitment to developing an Outcomes Measurement Framework “to make sure the Strategy is achieving its intended goals and to enable progress to be measured against outcomes”. It notes that “integration points will also be established with the Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement Framework and Evaluation Framework developed by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of Western Australia” (Western Australian Government, 2019b, p.12). As the WA Government further implements its Strategy and develops its Outcomes Measurement Framework, we will further develop the Dashboard measures. 1.3 The purpose of the Dashboard The Dashboard is a powerful tool for visualising and analysing diverse evidence relevant to the WAAEH Strategy. The purpose of the Dashboard is to communicate findings to the WAAEH and its affiliates, to policy makers, to the homelessness sector, and to the broader community with an interest in ending homelessness in a way that is clear, timely and useful. The Dashboard functions as a reference point to see where current efforts are producing results and where there is need for renewed focus for future initiatives. For the broader Western Australian community, the Dashboard will help to generate interest and deepen understanding of the state of homelessness in Western Australia. The 2021 Dashboard will be accompanied by a developmental evaluation report The Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness: Ending Homelessness in Western Australia Report (The Report), which brings together key findings from the Dashboard, detailed analysis of the WA Advance to Zero homelessness data and an examination of programs and initiatives in Western Australia to understand where we are at in the journey to end homelessness in Western Australia by 2028. Together with the complementary publications the Framework, Data Dictionary, and the Report, the Dashboard provides the information needed to inform effective, adaptive action towards ending homelessness in Western Australia. 6 | #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA
2. THE WAAEH 10-YEAR STRATEGY TO END HOMELESSNESS TARGETS The WAAEH Strategy to End Homelessness articulated nine targets to be achieved in the 10-year timeframe. The Dashboard is organised around these nine WAAEH Strategy targets and examines trends in targets in two main fields (see Table 2.1 below): – Responding to homelessness; and, – Preventing homelessness. Section 3 covers the Responding to Homelessness Targets while section 4 covers the Preventing Homelessness Targets. There are several targets for which we don’t yet have reliable data. We hope to include these targets in future editions of the Dashboard. TABLE 2.1 The WAAEH Strategy Targets Ending Homelessness in Western Australia by 2028 Responding to Homelessness Targets Preventing Homelessness Targets Target 1: Western Australia will have ended all forms of chronic Target 4: The underlying causes that homelessness including chronic rough sleeping. result in people becoming homeless Target 2: No individual or family in Western Australia will sleep have been met head-on, resulting in rough or stay in supported accommodation for longer than five a reduction by more than half in the nights before moving into an affordable, safe, decent, permanent inflow of people and families into home with the support required to sustain it. homelessness in any one year. Target 3: The Western Australian rate of homelessness (including Target 8: A strong, collaborative and couch surfing and insecure tenure) will have been halved from its adaptive network of services and 2016 level. responses across the community services, health, mental health, Target 5: The current very large gap between the rate of Aboriginal justice, and education sectors homelessness and non-Aboriginal homelessness in Western will exist working collectively to Australia will be eliminated so that the rate of Aboriginal address the underlying causes of homelessness is no higher than the rate of non-Aboriginal homelessness and meeting the needs homelessness. of those who become homeless. Target 6: Those experiencing homelessness and those exiting Target 9: Measurement, homelessness with physical health, mental health, and alcohol and accountability and governance other drug use dependence needs will have their needs addressed. mechanisms that are robust, This will result in a halving of mortality rates among those who transparent and open to external have experienced homelessness and a halving in public hospital review will be operating, providing costs one year on for those exiting homelessness. an on-going means for assessing Target 7: Those experiencing homelessness and those exiting progress in meeting the goals of homelessness will be supported to strengthen their economic, Ending Homelessness in Western social, family and community connections leading to stronger Australia in 10 years. well-being and quality of life outcomes. Employment among those experiencing homelessness will be significantly increased. Over half of those exiting homelessness will be employed within three years of moving into housing. Well-being and quality of life will equal those of the general population in the same timeframe. Source: WAAEH Strategy to End Homelessness (2018). #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | 7
Where data is available and publicly accessible for a key measure, we have constructed a figure or table illustrating the current trend in the data and included a brief explanatory note about the implication for homelessness. For the measures relating to the core Domain 1 of the The State of Homelessness in Western Australian Alliance to End Homelessness Outcomes Measurement Framework and Evaluation Framework, we have also indicated a projected trend line that is theoretically required to be achieved in order to meet the 2028 target. Future data will be added to the graph, and the distance from these points to the trendline could provide a visual indication of whether we are making consistent progress towards the target. The trendline is indicative only, and fluctuations on and off the trendline are to be expected. Examples of data points have been added at future data release time points (e.g. the 2021 Census) for illustrative purposes only. Although these example data points have been arranged in a trend towards the 10-year target, they are not intended to serve as milestones. Measures relating to the drivers of homelessness (WAAEH Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation Framework Domains 2 and 3) and thus relate to the prevention of homelessness do not have an associated target, but we presented the recent trends in the data. It is important to note that the Dashboard does not contain the comprehensive set of measures relating to the nine Strategy targets. Rather, the Dashboard visualises key measures for which data is available that can provide a broad overview of the domains and communicate trends across the complex system of homelessness. For a comprehensive list and operationalisation of measures, refer to the WAAEH Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation Framework (the Framework) and the WAAEH Outcomes Measurement and Evaluation Framework: Data Dictionary (the Data Dictionary). Throughout the Dashboard the term Aboriginal is used in recognition of the fact that Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of Western Australia. Data retrieved from national sources may have originally used the terms ‘Indigenous’ or ‘Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander’ people. However, the statistics referred to relate to Western Australia and not Australia more generally and the term is that which is preferred in Western Australia by Aboriginal people. 8 | #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA
3. RESPONDING TO HOMELESSNESS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA 3.1 Reducing the overall rate of homelessness The Western Australian rate of homelessness (including couch surfing and insecure tenure) will have been halved from its 2016 level TARGET 3 There are two key sources of data on rates of homelessness in Western Australia: The Australian Bureau of Statistics Census Data (ABS, 2016) and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Specialist Homelessness Services Collection (SHSC); (AIHW, 2020a). The data from the two sources differs due to different definitions of homelessness utilised. For specific information and limitation of data sources, refer to the Framework. In the Census, ‘homelessness’ refers not only to rough sleeping, which is often the most visible form of homelessness in society, but also to a variety of unstable housing situations, such as couch surfing (staying temporarily with other households), living in boarding houses, being housed in supported accommodation and living in ‘severely crowded’ dwellings (ABS, 2016). In the SHSC, the rate of homelessness is determined by calculating the number of clients of specialist homelessness services who are homeless on entry into specialist homelessness service support at the beginning of their first support period for the year, and then dividing this number by the total Western Australia population. Homelessness, as defined by the SHSC, includes having no shelter or residing in an improvised/inadequate dwelling, staying in short-term temporary accommodation, or being without tenure while housed (AIHW, 2020a). The SHSC definition of homelessness does not include a component for severely overcrowded dwellings which is included in the Census definition. The focus of Domain 1: The State of Homelessness of the Framework is to halve the 2016 rate of homelessness in Western Australia by 2028. This target has been broken down into a set of measures within the domain, encompassing the overall rate of homelessness, homelessness in various categories, the rates of Aboriginal homelessness and the economic barriers that prevent a sustained exit from homelessness. Some key measures and associated graphs are represented below. Figures 3.1 and 3.2 demonstrate the overall state of homelessness in Western Australia using two data sources: the ABS Census of Population and Housing and the SHSC. Figure 3.1 depicts the persons per 10,000 identified as homeless, across all homeless operational groups in the 2016 Census. In 2016, 36.4 per 10,000 Western Australians were homeless according to the Census. To achieve the target of halving the rate of homelessness by 2028, this rate will need to decrease to 18.2 persons per 10,000. Example future data as well as a trendline and confidence intervals are displayed to demonstrate the trajectory needed to achieve this target. Figure 3.2, similarly, depicts the persons per 10,000 identified as homeless in the SHSC from 2015/16 onwards. In 2016/17, 34.3 Western Australians per 10,000 were homeless. As described in the Framework (p. 24), the SHSC only collects information from those individuals that access services, which, together with the different definitions of homelessness adopted helps to explain why this number is lower than the Census figure of 36.4 persons per 10,000. In 2017/18 and 2018/19 the rate decreased slightly to 32.5 and 32.6 respectively, before increasing to 34.8 in 2019/20, above the trajectory for the target of 17.2 persons per 10,000 by 2028. #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | 9
2018/19 the rate decreased slightly to 32.5 and 32.6 respectively, before increasing to 34.8 in 2019/20, above the trajectory for the target of 17.2 persons per 10,000 by 2028. why this number is lower than the Census figure of 36.4 pe why this number is lower than the Census figure of 36.4 persons 2018/19 per 10,000. the rate In 2017/18 slightlyand whythis why thisnumber number 2018/19 Figure isisThe the 3.1 lower lower rate than than theCensus the decreased rate Census slightly of homelessness figure figure ofof36.4 to 32.5 among 36.432.6 and personspersons persons per per 10,000. 10,000. respectively, aged 15 years InIndecreased before and 2017/18 2017/18 over in and and increasing Western to 34.8 to 32.5 and 32.6 respecti in Australia 2018/19 2018/19the therate ratedecreased decreased slightly slightly to to32.5 32.5and and 32.6 32.6 respectively, 2019/20, respectively, before before above the increasing increasing trajectory toto 34.8 34.8ininfor the target of 17.2 persons p 2019/20, (Census) above the trajectory for the target of 17.2 persons per 10,000 by 2028. 2019/20, 2019/20,above abovethethetrajectory trajectoryfor forthe thetarget targetofof17.2 17.2persons personsperper10,000 10,000byby2028. 2028. Figure 3.1 The rate of homelessness among persons aged 15 ye Figure 3.1 The rate of homelessness among persons aged 15 years and over in Western Australia (Census) Figure FIGURE Figure3.13.1The Therate rate (Census) 3.1 50 The rate of homelessness ofofhomelessness homelessness among among amongpersons persons persons aged aged aged 1515years yearsand15over and years &Western overinin over in Western Western Australia (Census) Australia Australia (Census) (Census) 41.0 50 50 40 36.4 5050 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.0 40 36.4 40 36.4 4040 30 36.4 36.4 per 10,000 30 30 18.2 3030 20 Persons, per 10,000 per 10,000 20 Persons, per 10,000 Persons, per 10,000 18.2 20 18.2 18.2 Persons, 2020 10 10 Persons, 10 1010 0 2011 2016 2021 0 2026 0 2011 2016 2021 00 2011 2016 Year 2021 2026 2011 2011 2016Census data + 2028 Target 2016 2011/16 2021Year Example future 2021 2026 2026 data Year Year Year 2011/16 Census data + 2028 Target Exam 2011/16 Census data 10% Confidence + 2028 Interval Target Example future data 2011/16 2011/16Census Censusdata data+ +2028 2028Target Target Example Examplefuture futuredata data 10% Confidence Interval 10% Confidence Interval Source: ABS10% 10%Confidence Confidence 2049.0 Interval – Census Interval of Population and Housing: Estimating homelessness. Source: ABS 2049.0 – Census of Population and Housing: Estimating h Source: ABS 2049.0 – Census of Population and Housing: Estimating homelessness. https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 Source : ABS 2049.0 – Census of Population and Housing: Estimating https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 why this number is lower than the Census figure of 36.4 homelessness. https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 Source Source : ABS : ABS2049.0 2049.0––Census CensusofofPopulation Populationand andHousing: Housing:Estimating https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 Estimatinghomelessness. homelessness. 2018/19 the rate decreased slightly to 32.5 and 32.6 respe https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 2019/20, above the trajectory for the target of 17.2 person FIGURE Figure 3.23.2TheTherate rateofofhomelessness homelessnessbased basedon onSpecialist Specialist Homelessness Homelessness Figure 3.2 The rate Service Service clientsininWestern clients of homelessness Western based on Specialist Home Figure 3.2 Australia Australia The (SHSC)rate (SHSC) of homelessness based on Specialist Homelessness Australia Figure (SHSC) Service 3.1 The rate clients of in Western homelessness among persons aged 15 Figure Figure3.2 3.2Australia The Therate rateof(SHSC) ofhomelessness homelessness based why this numberbased ononSpecialist is lower Specialist than Homelessness Homelessness the Census figure of 36.4Service Service persons clients clients per (Census) ininIn 10,000. Western Western 2017/18 and Australia Australia(SHSC) (SHSC) 2018/19 the rate decreased slightly to 32.5 and 32.6 respectively, before increasing to 34.8 in 2019/20, above the trajectory for the target of 17.2 persons 50 per 10,000 by 2028. 50 50 50 5050 Figure 3.1 The rate of homelessness among persons aged 15 years and over in Western Australia (Census) 41.0 40 34.836.4 40 40 34.8 33.4 40 34.3 33.4 33.4 34.3 34.3 34.8 32.5 32.6 4040 32.5 50 32.5 32.6 34.832.6 34.8 33.4 34.3 33.4 34.3 32.5 32.6 32.5 32.6 30 Persons, per 10,000 41.0 30 30 30 10,000 per10,000 3030 40 36.4 Persons, per 10,000 Persons, per 10,000 Persons, per 10,000 20 17.2 20 17.2 Persons,per 20 30 20 17.2 17.2 2020 Persons, Persons, per 10,000 10 18.2 10 20 10 1010 10 10 0 0 2015 2016 0 2017 2015/16, 2018 2019 2020 20212018/19, 2022 2019/2 2023 00 02015 2016 2017 2015/16, 2018 2019 2016/17,2020 20212018/19, 2017/18, 2022 2019/20 2023 SHS 2024data2025 + 2028 2011 2026 Target2027 2016/17, 20282016 2017/18, 2029 20 2015 2016 2015 20162015 2017 2017 2016 2018 2018 2017 2019 2019 2018 2020 2020 20192021 2021 20202022 2022 20212023 2023 2022 2024 2024 20232025 2025 20242026 2026 2025 202720262028202720292028 data 2029 Year 2015 2016 2015/16,2017 2015/16, 2018 02016/17, 2016/17, 2015/16, 2019 2017/18, 2017/18, 2020 2018/19, 2016/17,2018/19,2021 2019/20 2017/18, 2022 2019/20SHS SHS 2018/19, Year 2023 data data 2019/20 2024 + +2028 2028 SHS Target+2027 2025 Target data 2028 2028 2026 2029 2027 Example Target 2028 future 2029 Year 2011Example future data Year Year 2016 Year 2021 2026 Example Examplefuture future data Exampledatafuture data Year 10% Confidence 2011/16 Interval Census data + 2028 Target E 10% Confidence Interval Year 10% 10% 2015/16, 2016/17, Confidence Confidence 2017/18, Interval Interval 2018/19, 10% 2011/16 2019/20Census Confidence data++2028 SHS data Interval 2028Target Target Examplefuture Example futuredata data 10%Confidence 10% Confidence Interval Interval 10%Services ConfidenceCollection, Interval Source: AIHW Specialist Homelessness Services Collection, 2019-20 Source: AIHW Specialist Homelessness 2019-20 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-h Source:AIHW Source: AIHW Specialist Specialist Source: Homelessness Homelessness AIHW Specialist Services Services Homelessness Collection, Collection, Services 2019-20 2019-20 Source: ABS 2049.0 – Census of Population and Housing: Estimatin https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual- Collection, 2019–20 Source: AIHW Specialist Homelessness Services Collection, report/contents/summary 2019-20 https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual- https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 Source: ABS 2049.0 – Census of Population and Housing: Estimating homelessness. report/contents/summary https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report/contents/summary https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual- report/contents/summary report/contents/summary https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2049.0 report/contents/summary Figures 3.3 and 3.4 plot raw numbers of homeless and at-ri Figures 3.3 andFigure 3.4 plot 3.2 raw The numbers rate of of homeless homelessness based on andthe at-risk Specialist ofofhomelessness Figure share all3.2clients Homelessness The rate Service whoofclients clients are in as wellbased homelessness homeless Western as on Specialist (as opposed to atHor Figures3.3 Figures 3.3 the and andshare 3.4plot 3.4 ofplot raw allraw numbers numbers clients who Australia (SHSC) of areof homeless homeless homeless and and (as at-risk at-risk opposed ofof homelessness homelessness to at risk of clients clients homelessness) Australia (SHSC) as as well well asas accessing SHS in the theshare Figures shareof 3.3 and ofallallclients clients who who 3.4 plot are are raw numbers homeless homeless (as of homeless (asopposed opposed andofof totoatatrisk risk at-risk of homelessness homelessness) homelessness) accessing accessing clients SHS SHSinas inwell as the share of all clients 50 who are homeless (as opposed to at risk of#ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| homelessness) accessing SHS in 7 50 #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| 77 10 | #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| 7 40 34.8 33.4 34.3 40 32.5 32.6 33.4 34.3 34.8 32.5 32.6 30 ,000 30 0
Figures 3.3 and 3.4 plot raw numbers of homeless and at-risk of homelessness clients as well as the share of all clients who are homeless (as opposed to at risk of homelessness) accessing SHS in Western Australia from mid-2017 to March 2021. The raw numbers for both groups show a drop in clients accessing SHS in April 2020, Western coinciding withfrom Australia the outbreak mid-2017 of the COVID-19 to March pandemic 2021. The raw and likely attributed numbers for bothtogroups nation-wide showlockdown a drop in clientswhich measures accessing SHSinin resulted April many 2020, cutting services coinciding backwith theservice director outbreak of the delivery forCOVID-19 a period. Bypandemic December and likely 2020, attributed the numbers to nation-wide of both lockdown client groups increase measures which to approximately resultedlevels pre-pandemic in manyand services there is a cutting back directr further service increase delivery in March foryet 2021. Not a period. seen in By theseDecember figures are2020, the numbers the impacts ofofboth of the end client various groups pandemic increaseintoearly supports approximately 2021, such aspre-pandemic eviction and rentallevels and there increase is a further moratoriums, increasesupplements and financial in March 2021.(e.g., Not yet seen inand JobKeeper these figures are supplement). the coronavirus the impactsThe of the end of increase in various pandemic the monthly series insupports in early recent months may2021, reflect such the as eviction provision and rental of additional increase funds moratoriums, to services and financial from government supplements which enabled (e.g.,previously them to meet JobKeeper and unmet the coronavirus supplement). The increase in the monthly needs and the recent rapid tightening in the Perth housing market. series in recent months may reflect the provision of additional funds to services from government which enabled them to meet previously The monthly unmet needs series also showand the that recent among malerapid tightening clients, a higherin the Perth proportion arehousing market. homeless compared to female clients, while the opposite trend is seen in clients at risk of homelessness. The monthly series also show that among male clients, a higher proportion are homeless compared to female clients, while the opposite trend is seen in clients at risk of homelessness. FIGURE 3.3 Number of clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Australia who Figure 3.3 Number of clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Australia who were were homeless homeless on on entry entry to to support support (SHSC) 3500 3,099 3000 2,700 2,639 2,673 2,610 2,480 2,504 2,478 2,354 2,387 2500 2,251 2000 1,857 1,544 1,495 1,505 1,537 1,438 1,415 1,399 1,351 1500 1255 1,346 1000 1,242 1,089 1,156 1,079 1,144 1,1051,036 1,136 996 938 1,008 500 0 Ja 7 Ja 8 Ja 9 Ja 0 N 7 M 18 N 8 M 19 N 9 M 20 N 0 M 21 Ju 8 Ju 9 Ju 0 Se 7 Se 8 Se 9 Se 0 M 18 M 19 M 20 1 l-1 l-1 l-1 l-2 -1 -1 -1 -2 1 1 1 2 -1 -1 -2 -2 - - - p- n- p- n- p- n- p- n- ov ov ov ov ay ay ay ar ar ar ar Ju Female Male Total Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. HOU 321. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly-data/contents/monthly-data Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. HOU 321. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- data/contents/monthly-data #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | 11
FIGURE 3.4 Proportion of all Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Service clients who were Figure 3.4 homeless onProportion of all Western entry to support (SHSC) Australian Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) clients who were homeless on entry to support Figure 3.4 Proportion of all Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) clients who were homeless on entry to support 60% 60% 53% 50% 50% 50% 45% 47% 47% 46% 47% 53% 45% 44% 50% 50% 44% 43% 50% 45% 47% 41% 47% 46% 47% 42% 40% 45% 39% 40% 39% 44% 44% 40% 38% 38% 42% 43% 41% 40% 40% 39% 39% 40% 40% 38% 37% 38% 38% 38% 36% 35% 36% 30% 34% 35% 34% 40% 37% 38% 38% 36% 35% 36% 30% 34% 35% 34% 20% 20% 10% 10% 0% M 18 M 19 M 20 1 Ja 7 Ja 8 Ja 9 Ja 0 N 7 M 18 N 8 M 19 N 9 M 20 N 0 M 21 Ju 8 Ju 9 Ju 0 Se 7 Se 8 Se 9 Se 0 -2 l-1 l-1 l-1 l-2 -1 -1 -1 -2 1 1 1 2 -1 -1 -2 0% - - - p- n- p- n- p- n- p- n- ar ar ar ar ov ov ov ov ay ay ay Ju M 18 M 19 M 20 1 Ja 7 Ja 8 Ja 9 Ja 0 No 7 M 18 No 8 M 19 No 9 M 20 No 0 M 21 Ju 8 Ju 9 Ju 0 Se 7 Se 8 Se 9 Se 0 -2 l-1 l-1 l-1 l-2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 -1 -1 -2 Female Male Total - - - v- v- v- v- p- n- p- n- p- n- p- n- ar ar ar ar ay ay ay Ju Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. HOU 321. Female Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly Male data, Cat. No. HOU 321. Total https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly-data/contents/monthly-data data/contents/monthly-data Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. HOU 321. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- Figure 3.5 Number of clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Australia who data/contents/monthly-data Figure FIGURE 3.4 Proportion of all Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) clients who were at3.5 Number risk of clients accessing of homelessness on entry toSpecialist support Homelessness Services in Western Australia who were were homeless on entry to support Figure 3.5 Number of clients accessing Specialist(SHSC) at risk of homelessness on entry to support Homelessness Services in Western Australia who 4500 were 60% at risk of homelessness on entry to support 3,777 3,766 3,841 4000 53% 4500 3,531 3,494 50% 3,394 3,353 50% 3500 3267 50% 47% 3,160 47% 3,148 46% 47% 3,841 400045% 45% 3,777 3,766 2,962 44% 44% 43% 3000 3,531 3,494 42% 2,700 41% 40% 3,394 2,607 40% 3,353 3267 350038% 39% 39% 2,544 2,444 40% 3,160 3,148 2,379 38% 2,423 2,3122,962 2500 2247 2,210 2,151 2,096 3000 40% 2,700 37% 2,607 2,544 38% 38% 2000 36% 36% 2,423 2,444 2,379 35% 35% 2,312 30% 2247 250034% 2,210 2,151 34% 1500 1,222 2,096 1,170 1,108 1,141 1,041 1,050 20001020 961 997 1,015 866 1000 20% 1500 1,170 1,222 1,141 500 1020 1,015 1,108 1,041 1,050 961 997 866 1000 10%0 500 N 7 M 18 N 8 M 19 N 9 M 20 N 0 M 21 Se 7 Se 8 Se 9 Se 0 M 18 M 19 M 20 1 Ja 7 Ja 8 Ja 9 Ja 0 Ju 8 Ju 9 Ju 0 l-1 l-1 l-1 l-2 1 1 1 2 -2 -1 -1 -1 -2 -1 -1 -2 - - - p- n- p- n- p- n- p- n- ar ar ar ar ov ov ov ov ay ay ay Ju 0%0 Female Male Total M -1188 M 1199 Ma 200 1 17 JJaa 88 JJaa 99 JJa 200 17 M 188 NNoo 88 M 1199 NNo 199 Ma 200 NNo -200 Ma 211 --118 JJuu 99 JJu 00 l--117 SSee 88 SSee 99 SSe 200 NNoo 7 SSeep 7 -221 JJaan 7 JJuu 8 ll--11 ll--11 vv--1 vv--1 --11 p--1 n--1 pp--1 --11 -22 -2 1 1 -2 2 -2 -2 1 -2 aarr- -- nn-- pp-- ull- arr- arr- nn- epp- ann- ovv- ayy- aarr ovv JJuul aayy aayy Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. HOU 321. M M M M M M M https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- data/contents/monthly-data Female Female Male Male Total Total Source: Source:AIHW AIHW2021 2021Specialist SpecialistHomelessness Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. No. HOU HOU321. 321. Source: AIHW 2021 Specialist Homelessness Services: monthly data, Cat. No. HOU 321. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly-data/contents/monthly-data data/contents/monthly-data data/contents/monthly-data #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| 9 Figure 3.5 Number of clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services in Western Australia who 12were | #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA at risk of homelessness on entry to support 4500 #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| 9 3,841
FIGURE 3.6 Proportion of all Western Australian Specialist Homelessness Service clients who were at Figure risk 3.6 Proportiononofentry of homelessness all Western Australian to support (SHSC) Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) clients who were at risk of homelessness on entry to support 70% 60% 62% 60% 60% 59% 60% 60% 57% 58% 57% 60% 57% 50% 55% 53% 54% 55% 55% 54% 55% 53% 52% 50% 47% 47% 40% 46% 43% 44% 46% 44% 46% 46% 30% 20% 10% 0% M 18 M 19 M 20 1 Ja 7 Ja 8 Ja 9 Ja 0 N 7 M 18 N 8 M 19 N 9 M 20 N 0 M 21 Ju 8 Ju 9 Ju 0 Se 7 Se 8 Se 9 Se 0 -2 l-1 l-1 l-1 l-2 -1 -1 -1 -2 1 1 1 2 -1 -1 -2 - - - p- n- p- n- p- n- p- n- ar ar ar ar ov ov ov ov ay ay ay Ju Female Male Total Source: Source: AIHW AIHW 2021 Specialist 2021 Specialist Homelessness Homelessness Services: Services: monthly monthly data, Cat. data, No. HOU 321. Cat. No. HOU 321. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-monthly-data/contents/monthly-data data/contents/monthly-data Figure 3.7 presents evidence from the Census on the rate of persons aged 15 years and over experiencing Figureforms various 3.7 presents evidenceinfrom of homelessness theAustralia. Western Census on Tothe rate of achieve thepersons aged 15the goal of halving years and over Western Australian experiencing rate various of homelessness fromforms oflevel, its 2016 homelessness steps mustin beWestern Australia. put in place to combatToallachieve forms ofthe goal of halving homelessness. the Western When analysingAustralian ratethe homelessness, of homelessness from Census categorises its 2016 level, differentiates stepsfive between must be put forms in place to homelessness: combat all forms of homelessness. When analysing homelessness, the Census categorises differentiates – Living between in improvised five forms dwellings, tents,homelessness: or sleeping out (Figure 3.7, Panel A) – Living • in supported Living accommodation in improvised (Figure dwellings, 3.7, Panel tents, B) or sleeping out (Figure 3.7, Panel A) • Living – Staying temporarily with other in supported households (Figure accommodation 3.7, Panel (Figure C) 3.7, Panel B) • in – Living Staying temporarily boarding with3.7, houses (Figure other Panelhouseholds D) (Figure 3.7, Panel C) • in – Living Living in boarding severely houses (Figure crowded dwellings (Figure3.7, 3.7, Panel D) Panel E) • in – Living Living other in severelylodgings temporary crowded dwellings (Not shown) (Figure 3.7, Panel E) • Living in other temporary lodgings (Not shown) #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA | 13 #ENDHOMELESSNESSWA| 10
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