OARS Offenders Aid And Rehabilitation Services Of S.A. Inc.

The Supportive Accommodation Services Division at OARS Community Transitions incorporates several accommodation programs under the heading of the Ex Custodial Homelessness Support Services (ECHSS). The program is fully funded by the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) and is both a residential and outreach program focused on case management for clients that are exiting prisons into homelessness, or are at risk of homelessness and interfacing with the criminal justice system. The program is operated state wide with office and accommodation services located close to each prison within SA.

The program also provides case managed supportive accommodation services under the National Partnerships (NP) agreement. The NP sub program within the ECHSS provides case management services for the Integrated Housing Exits Program (IHEP), a partnership between the Department of Corrections and Housing SA. There are 60 properties state wide within this program and a specific eligibility criteria and referral pathway.

The Accommodation Division at OARS CT has 14 designated properties for women exiting prison that are homeless in the metropolitan area, 12 properties available for male ex prisoners (metropolitan area) and 7 properties in Pt Augusta. There are hostel accommodation settings of up to 8 places in Pt Augusta, Pt Lincoln, Berri and Mt Gambier. There are two metropolitan hostels at Brompton and Christie Downs and 7 attached units at Marion available for the target group.

Congregate settings accommodate transitioning clients for 3-6 months and units provide accommodation for 1 to 2 years. During the client's support period they are encouraged to build skills to maintain a tenancy independently and supported to find more stable and secure accommodation during their stay.

During June 2011 two further programs will be introduced. These are the Perpetrator Housing Service (10 properties) and the Integrated Housing Exits Program Alternative Accommodation Support (IHEPAAS) available for clients who are assessed as suitable for IHEP and not able to access a property.