The Integrated Housing Exits Program (IHEP) provides support and accommodation to people exiting custodial settings, for example leaving prison. The program aims to reduce their risk of homelessness and re-offending.

This policy applies to:

  • Housing SA
  • Department for Correctional Services (DCS)
  • community housing providers
  • Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services (OARS)

Eligibility

Customers are eligible for the program if they meet all the below conditions:

  • they’re eligible for both public and community housing in line with the Eligibility for housing policy and the Community housing eligibility policy (PDF, 202.5 KB)
  • they're assessed as Category 1
  • they’re on remand or serving a head sentence of 24 months or less
  • they have complex needs
  • they have a history of repeated periods of homelessness
  • they agree to engage and participate in support and case management planning.

Priority is given to eligible customers serving a sentence of less than 6 months.

Nominations and assessment

The DCS IHEP Housing Coordinator nominates customers for vacant properties, taking into account:

  • housing density
  • location of supports
  • if the property type and area meet the customer’s needs.

Managing tenancies

Customers are housed on a 12 month fixed term lease agreement. If the tenant still needs support to maintain a tenancy at the end of their lease agreement, they may be offered a second lease agreement up to 12 months.

Housing SA and community housing providers provide properties to the program and manage IHEP tenancies in line with their organisation’s own policies.

The housing provider works with the tenant, in collaboration with Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services, to address any tenancy or property management issues.

Carers and children on access visits may stay in the property, but other occupants, including partners, won’t be approved to live at the property.

Pets aren’t allowed at the property.

The housing provider considers applications for caretakers on a case-by-case basis, in line with their organisation’s policies.

At least 3 months before the end of the tenancy, Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services and the tenant develop an exit strategy. It may be determined the customer either:

  • needs another lease agreement
  • doesn't need another lease agreement
  • should transfer to another property.

OARS gives the housing provider details of the exit strategy.

Support and case management plans

Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services:

  • provides ongoing support to customers for as long as they participate in the program
  • develops and reviews case management plans with the customer and the DCS IHEP Housing Coordinator
  • helps the customer find and secure alternative accommodation when they leave the program.

Customers must meet with Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services at least once a fortnight.

Related information

Controlling documents

This policy is based on and complies with:

  • Housing Outreach Program Memorandum of Administrative Agreement

Supporting guideline

Related policies and other documents

Date this policy applies from

3 August 2022

Version number

4

The online version of the policy is the approved and current version. There’s no guarantee any printed copies are current.