Table 5 Types of approaches to managing high-risk behaviours and challenges in permanent supportive housing
Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Clinical | Use of existing or augmentations to professional support services for the purpose of assessment and intervention | Establishment of specialized services, such as hoarding specialists and harm reduction supports Development and implementation of risk-related screening tools |
Relational/educational | Use of working relationships and informational strategies between PSH staff, often case managers and other direct service providers, landlords, and residents to address high-risk behaviours and challenges | Advocacy with landlords about damage debts Provision of education and mentorship to residents about who should be allowed to enter apartments |
Surveillant | Implementation of measures to monitor PSH residents and visitors | Installation of video cameras in and around PSH buildings Staff drop-ins on residents |
Restrictive | Use of PSH policies and practices that limit program access, and the behaviours of residents and visitors, as well as choices made by residents to refrain from specific behaviours and locations | Program policies that exclude applicants with histories of high-risk issues Resident-initiated isolation in housing unit to avoid conflict, access to substances, or another type of threat |
Strategic | Use of pragmatic strategies to reduce the likelihood of high-risk behaviours and challenges or facilitate their cessation | Placement of residents in non-first floor housing units to prevent apartment takeovers Transfer of residents in unsafe buildings to new housing |
Design-based | Built environment and program design decisions and adaptations to reduce the risk of critical events | Installation of stovetop motion sensors to reduce fire risk Development of women-only PSH programs |
Legal | Engagement with legal systems in response to high-risk behaviours and challenges | Pursuit of charges and justice system-based protections following offences Provision of emotional and practical support to report crimes |
Self-defence | Actions initiated by residents for the purpose of self-protection | Acquiring and carrying weapons in response to safety concerns |