Program specifications and protocols
SHS Program specifications, Homelessness Service Contracts, Training policies and resources, Client consent and information sharing
Homelessness Service Contracts
Contracts for homelessness services explain the terms and conditions for DCJ funding and the services and programs being funded.
The contracts for services funded under the Specialist Homelessness Services (SHS) Program are made up of standard documents under the Human Services Agreement.
All services must be delivered in line with the SHS Program Specifications.
SHS Program specifications
SHS Program Specifications
The SHS Program Specifications define the purpose of the program and appropriate use of funding. These specifications are designed to assist you to plan and report on the performance and quality of your service.
They also contain key information and tools to help you as, a service provider, apply good practice design and service delivery principles.
These specifications were developed so all service providers have consistent information about the principles of practice across the homelessness services system. This means a client can receive a consistently high quality of service no matter where they enter the service system.
Specialist Homelessness Services Case Management Kit
Case management is the key to assisting and working effectively with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and have a range of complex needs.
The SHS Case Management Resource Kit will be updated soon.
SHS Learning & Development Framework
In the meantime, please refer to the NSW Specialist Homelessness Service (SHS) Learning & Development Framework (the L&D Framework) for training for SHS workers and managers to work effectively with people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
The L&D Framework provides development opportunities tailored to the SHS sector with options to suit different roles, expertise and learning needs. The L&D Framework includes programs for the core skills needed when working in SHS as well as specialist areas of development for working with specific client groups.
The L&D Framework is managed and overseen by the Industry Partnership and hosted on a portal managed by Managed Training Services.
Access to the L&D Framework is free and available to SHS managers and staff from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) funded SHS providers, and their subcontractors.
Policy for delivery of services to unaccompanied children 12 to 15 years
Children who are homeless are likely to have experienced abuse, neglect, family violence at home, or mental illness. They may have also been in contact with the justice system, misused drugs and alcohol, or disengaged from education.
The Unaccompanied children 12-15 years accessing Specialist Homelessness Services policy PDF, 1322.95 KB outlines the roles and responsibilities of homelessness services, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and the broader service system based on the age and legal status of the child. DCJ worked with the Homelessness peaks and youth homelessness providers to revise the policy in response to the outcomes of the 2020 HYAP evaluation and More than Shelter reports by the NSW Ombudsman. The updated policy provides a framework to improve service integration across the homelessness and
Specialist homelessness services and Homeless Youth Assistance Program (HYAP) providers are expected to deliver services to unaccompanied children and young people in accordance with this policy.
The Policy review - Information sheet PDF, 139.17 KB was developed to detail key changes, background and intended outcomes of the updated policy.
Client consent and information sharing
The Specialist Homelessness Services Client Consent, Information Sharing and Referral Protocol provides a framework to support consistent and effective practice to improve service access and specialist homelessness service (SHS) delivery within NSW.
The protocol provides guidance to ensure the personal information of clients is accessed in accordance with client consent, and to ensure effective referral processes are followed.
All SHS providers are expected to comply with the protocol.
Client consent
The Specialist Homelessness Services Client Consent Form can be completed by the client to allow their personal information to be shared.