The Housing Needs of Substance Misusers

Statistics show that a high number of those sentenced for substance misuse issues do not have settled accommodation. Equally, a high number of ex-offenders face homelessness when released from jail. Hostels have noted a high proportion of ex-offenders amongst both applicants and their existing residents.

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

The 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. This enables clients to have access to private rented accommodation, with intensive tenancy support. Through this work it was identified that ex-offenders were not the only substance-misusing client group that required support.

Accommodation Options for the Substance Misusing Client 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 (January 2009) any changes that DAAT are aware of will be amended as soon possible.

• Accommodation Options for Substance-misusing Clients
• Cambridgeshire 'Supporting People' Floating Support Directory

General housing support is also offered through each relevant district council. Each district has specific support networks for the homeless and those with housing difficulties

Support for Housing Providers and Relevant Organisations

Housing providers, hostel managers and other organisations working with substance-misusing clients 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 is recognised that it is important to produce a document that outlines the clear legal responsibilities of both organisations and clients around housing, and also offers a sense of confidence amongst those agencies working with the client group. This is vital if we are to promote good practice, and strike the right balance between enforcement, action and support to substance misusers with regards to housing. This can serve to facilitate a client's access to treatment, harm minimisation services, and their reintegration into mainstream communities.

The Cambridgeshire Drugs Protocol is the result of a positive collaboration between the various agencies, a combination of statutory and voluntary agencies. This document is designed to offer guidelines for organisations rather than to be a directive. Of particular use, are named contacts of the Police, DAAT and the District Council. From this successful partnership working, the 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. We are organising five training dates in Autumn 2010 across the county to re-introduce the protocol to Housing providers and also to provide professionals working in the field with information on Harm reduction, referral pathway and Drug related deaths.