National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 - 2016

Appendix 8 Individual Assessmentof Need Protocol – Mental HealthProtocol to govern liaison arrangements between housing authorities and theHealth Service Executive in relation to the coordination of housing servicesprovided for people with a mental health disability.1. This protocol sets out arrangements for cooperation and coordination betweenhousing authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE) in addressing the housingand related support needs that arise as a result of a mental health disability.2. Local authorities are responsible, in accordance with the Housing (MiscellaneousProvisions) Act, 2009, for the provision of housing services 135 , while the provision ofrelevant health and personal social services is the responsibility of the HSE.3. For the purposes of this protocol, it is recognised that:(a)Specific housing needs may arise as a result of a mental health disability forwhich intervention and treatment may be ongoing, or from a single orisolated episodic event, which, although not requiring constant intervention,has a severe and continuing impact on a person’s ability to access andmaintain housing that is appropriate and conducive to recovery;(b)In order to address such needs successfully, the provision of appropriatehousing services must be accompanied by the provision of relevant healthand personal social services, as appropriate, in accordance with individualcare/support plans.4. Where a person with a mental health disability, who is availing of mental healthservices, is identified as likely to require housing services, their key worker 136 shallinform them, and an advocate of their choice, if applicable, of the mechanismsavailable to liaise with the relevant housing authority for the purpose of facilitatingthe determination of any housing services that the housing authority considers theperson to be eligible for, and in need of. Following agreement and with the consentof the person with the disability, and, if applicable, their advocate, the key worker135Housing services provided by local authorities include the following broad groups of services:• Housing supports, which are provided to households for the purpose of meeting their accommodationneeds, including social housing supports, the provision and sale of affordable housing and grant-aid forprivate housing;• Tenancy supports, in the form of assistance, other than financial assistance and housing support,provided to tenants of local authority or RAS dwellings or to formerly homeless households, for thepurpose of supporting them in remaining in occupation of their current accommodation.136The HSE key worker should be a member of a community mental health team or primary care team who isfamiliar with the local housing needs of clients with mental health disabilities.160160