Plans to improve the living standards for people living in supported accommodation has been announced by the Australian Government. It follows a NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Inquiry that investigated around 7,000 incidents and complaints over four years from residents living in group homes.
The focus of the Inquiry was on achieving broader systemic improvements for the benefit of people who live in supported accommodation and their families.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said the report includes several observations that will drive improvements for people living in group homes and the sector.
“People with a disability have the right to a safe living arrangement, even when it is challenging and the right to have their voice heard, particularly when it comes to the quality of their day-to-day lives,” he said.
Key actions the NDIS Commission plans to take in response to the Inquiry’s report were:
• Changes to regulation and monitoring of supported accommodation, including the introduction of new standards for supported accommodation
• Developing a targeted program of communication, engagement and education with people with disability in supported accommodation to support them to exercise their rights
• Increasing oversight of unregistered Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers and ensuring they are meeting the NDIS code of conduct.
As of December 31, 2022, there were 29,812 participants with Supported Independent Living (SIL) supports in their NDIS plan and 22,069 participants with Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) supports in their NDIS plan.
For more information and to read a copy of the Own Motion Inquiry into Aspects of Supported Accommodation, visit www.ndiscommission.gov.au