The Housing Needs of Substance Misusers

Significant numbers of ex-offenders face homelessness. Statistics show a high number of people that do not have settled accommodation amongst those that are sentenced. The hostel system demonstrates a high proportion of ex-offenders amongst those that are resident and those that apply to the hostel system for accommodation.

Research shows that the correlation between offending and substance mis-use behaviour is inextricably linked to accommodation related needs. The 2001 report ‘Housing offenders in Cambridgeshire’ prepared for the Supported Housing Information Project (SHIP) highlights this link. The report states that in 2001/02 in Cambridgeshire, there were around 480 offenders than began supervision with the Probation Service that had a housing need; it goes on to state that there could have been a further 156 individuals released from short prison sentences, but without the supervision of probation who also had housing needs. These figures have increased especially the opening of a new Prison within the County in Spring 05 at Peterborough.

The greatest level of unmet need is usually with the short-term prisoners which represent around 65% of discharges, many of these offenders present as homeless and often do not apply to the general housing list. Those that do apply to the local authority, often do not reach the full assessment stage as they do not fit the criteria and are not of ‘priority need’ as they will have no obvious vulnerabilities, with no record of their enquiry held this distort the figures for housing need in the locality.

Prisoners often lose their accommodation, as they are not able to pay rent whilst in custody, housing benefit will only continue for a maximum of 13 weeks, and the prisoner may not be aware that unless they close the tenancy down, the rent arrears continue to accrue, (these arrears then act as a barrier to future tenancies). Also custodial sentences frequently lead to family / relationship break down, also leading to the loss of home.

Having nowhere to go on release is a common problem, and creates a catch 22 situation, where it is difficult to obtain employment without accommodation and difficult to get accommodation without work.

Housing is a key component in the resettlement of offenders, and settled accommodation is key to avoiding a return to crime and /or substance misuse.

Much work has been done to address these problems, with the creation of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Offenders Strategy, with partnership agencies working together to address these issues.

Cambridgeshire DAAT have worked hard through the Drugs Intervention Programme (DIP) to provide a range of accommodation options through the creation of a Comprehensive Rent Deposit Model which enables clients on the programme to have access to private rented accommodation, with intensive tenancy support.

Through this work it was identified that it was not only the client group that required support.

Housing providers, hostel managers and other organisations working with this client group also require support in relation to drug related incidents that may occur on their premises. There have been several changes to the law and many landlords, housing providers and services have been confused as to their legal duty around such issues.

It was recognised that is was important to produce a document that outlines the clear legal responsibilities, but also offers a sense of confidence amongst those agencies working with the client group, to promote good practice, consistency in striking the right balance between enforcement action and support to substance misusers to enable access treatment and harm minimisation services.

The Cambridge Drugs Protocol is the result of a positive collaboration between the agencies named on the front cover of this document, a combination of statutory and voluntary agencies, to produce this document which is designed to act as a guidance for organisations rather than a directive. Particularly useful, are named contacts of the Police, DAAT and the City Council.

From this partnership working DAAT hopes to continue to attract a broader range of housing providers to accept the client group to improve their re-integration back into society and away from a life of substance misuse and offending.

Rachel Everitt
Housing Strategy Lead DAAT/DIP

Working Together: A drugs protocol for Cambridge [529kb]
The Lilac Project: Summary [118kb]

Accommodation Options for the Substance Misusing Client Group in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire DAAT have produced a directory of accommodation that is currently available within the County. However, it is important to note that with the exception of the Cambridgeshire Drugs Intervention Programme accommodation, none of the accommodation listed is specifically for clients with issues of substance misuse. The criteria for the accommodation is usually single homeless with support needs.

The only option for direct access within the County is Jimmy's Night shelter in Cambridge, although the Ferry Project in Wisbech will accept direct access if they have a bed available at the time. All other providers require the appropriate referral as indicated in the directory. Please note that the information in the directory was correct at the time that the information was collated (November 06) any changes that DAAT are aware of will be amended as soon possible.

Accommodation Options for the Substance Misusing Client Group in Cambridgeshire [421kb]