Supported Accommodation Evaluation Framework (SAEF): drop-in support

The NSW Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) commissioned the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC) at University of New South Wales (UNSW) Australia to design an evaluation framework and collect data for the accommodation support and funding models under Stronger Together 2 (ST2). The evaluation used longitudinal, mixed methods and a participatory research approach. The project built evidence about accommodation support through the collection of data and development of an evaluation framework. This evidence base informs the design and development of disability policy. The evaluation includes nine SAEF options grouped in four categories: individual packages, Drop-in Support, group accommodation and Other. This report is about implementation and use of the Drop-in Support options: Independent Living Drop-in Support (ILDIS) and Independent Living Skills Initiative (ILSI).  Drop-in Support is about helping people with disability to live as independently as they can, in a place they want and with the type of help that best suited them. There are two types of Drop-in Support: Independent Living Drop-in Support Independent Living Drop-in Support helps people with disability to move to a more independent way of living over time. It includes case management, planning and learning new skills. Independent Living Skills Initiative The Independent Living Skills Initiative is about living independently in the community with both formal and informal help. People can live in their current home or move house. Evidence from the evaluation showed that Dropin Support achieved positive outcomes for many participants, particularly in selfdetermination, personal development, social inclusion, and emotional wellbeing. Less change was evident in people’s interpersonal relationships, and there was little change in material wellbeing and employment. Living in independent accommodation had been realised mainly where families had some capacity to assist or the support worker could help with the social housing process. The findings have policy implications for design, implementation and collaboration.