Department Of Correctional Services Housing Policy
Access to suitable housing can present a significant issue for many offenders. There are several housing services available to offenders within the prison system.
Integrated Housing Exit Program [IHEP]
This program is designed to reduce exits into homelessness and the incidence of reoffending by improving the accommodation outcomes for people exiting custodial settings.
To be eligible for IHEP, offenders will have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of less than 12 months (including remand) and have a Category 1 Status with Housing SA.
DCS staff will refer to Housing SA’s Housing Outreach Service and the Housing Coordinator will assess and determine suitability for the IHEP.
Participants are able to stay in the property for a period of 12 months. In special circumstances, a further 12 months can be approved.
Case management support, both pre and post release, is provided to IHEP participants by Offender Aid and Rehabilitation Service [OARS]. IHEP is jointly operated by Housing SA, OARS and DCS
For more information contact [email protected].
Integrated Housing Exit Alternative Accommodation Service (IHEAAS)
This program runs as an adjunct to IHEP and is for individuals who are assessed as suitable to undertake IHEP but there are no properties available or suitable upon release.
As with the IHEP, offenders will have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment of less than 12 months (including remand) and have a Category 1 Status with Housing SA.
DCS staff will refer to Housing SA’s Housing Outreach Service and the Housing Coordinator will assess and determine suitability for the program.
Program participants are case managed through OARS and provided with support and assistance in finding alternate accommodation.
Participants receive assistance post release through OARS.
This program is jointly operated by Housing SA, OARS and DCS. For more information contact [email protected].
Housing SA Outreach Service
Outreach Services are provided by Housing SA to the following prisons:
- Adelaide Pre-release Centre
- Adelaide Remand Centre
- Adelaide Women’s prison
- Yatala Labour Prison
- Mobilong Prison
Anyone with a housing need can undergo assessment to determine priority category.
To access these services the prisoner will need to speak with an institutional Social Worker or Case Management Coordinator, who will link them to the Outreach Service.
For further information contact Housing SA.
Bail Accommodation Support Program (BASP)
This program provides accommodation as an alternative to custody to alleged offenders who are granted bail but lack a suitable place to live. Residents will therefore be able to maintain links with family, employment and training while being supported by AnglicareSA and in some cases supervised by DCS.
There are 30 places available in the Bail Accommodation Support Program. Referrals into the BASP are made through Magistrates subject to available capacity.
Anglicare provide access to wrap-around support services.
For more information email The BASP Support Program.
Aspire Social Impact Bond
The Aspire Social Impact Bond (Aspire SIB) is Australia’s first homelessness focused SIB.
Around 600 individuals over a 5 year period will be able to access a home. Some places will be specifically allocated to offenders and ex-offenders.
Participants are provided stable accommodation, job readiness training, pathways to employment and life skills development.
Each Aspire participant will be offered support for up to 3 years.
Aspire is a partnership between Hutt Street Centre, Unity Housing and Common Ground.