Guidelines for field staff to assist people living in ... - Housing NSW

SECTION 3: Referral3.1 Sources of referralPeople living in states of severe domestic squalor may be referred for assistance byanyone. Common referrers are relatives, neighbours, concerned local residents,service providers, the Fire Brigade, police and shopkeepers. More commonly,people come to the attention of various service providers because of the deleteriouseffect that their living conditions have on themselves and the surrounding community.As an example, see Case Study 1 and Case Study 4 in Appendix 8.If a person is known to have a health problem or to receive welfare assistance, helpmay be sought from the relevant health service or from welfare agency staff. Theperson’s type of accommodation may determine whether the person is referred forassistance to the Department of Housing (DOH) or to the local council. Landlords orreal estate agents may need to be approached if utilities (such as water) have beendisconnected or the building is in a state of disrepair.3.2 Information gathering prior to initial contactPrior to visiting someone who lives in squalor, try to find out as much information aspossible about the person. This will assist in determining who the best person is toundertake an initial assessment, and how this assessment should be conducted.Try to access the following background information from the referrer and any othersources:• best time of day to visit• length of time the person has been living in unclean conditions• type of accommodation e.g., homeowner, private rental, Department of Housing(DoH)• if the person has a next of kin, carer, supportive neighbours or involvement of anyhome services• any known medical history and/or whether or not the person has a GeneralPractitioner• any potential occupational health and safety issues for which special clothing orprecautions may be required (see OH&S Checklist on page 28).• history of the person’s character, habits, and past medical and psychiatric history• cultural background (Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander), culturally andlinguistically diverse (CALD) background• if there are language or communication barriers• preferred language spoken and whether an interpreter may be required• history of substance abuse, mental illness, aggression or criminal behaviour• whether the person lives alone or with dependents and any details of dependents• whether premises are covered by an existing Council Order (see page 11).8