National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

(d)The housing needs of people with a mental health disability should be met throughthe provision of housing that is conducive to recovery, i.e. secure, amenable,responsive to customer choice, integrated into local communities and incorporatingflexible, individualised and accessible supports.(e)It is essential that a client centred approach be adopted so that the applicant’s needsare central to all housing decisions made. All decisions should involve fullconsultation with the applicant and his/her advocate/s, if applicable. It is alsorecognised that people with a mental health disability have the same tenancy rightsand responsibilities as all other people.(f)Finally, it is recognised that many people with a mental health disability will be in aposition to provide for their housing needs through their own resources. Many canhave their housing needs met through the range of mainstream housing optionsavailable, including private rented accommodation, social housing (including housingprovided by approved housing bodies), long term leasing, RAS, etc, provided that allrelevant supports are in place, as necessary. Others will continue to require highlevels of support / long-term residential care. Applicants and their advocates mustfully engage with service providers and all parties must be open to consideration ofall forms of suitable tenure.148148