The SHSC collects information about people who are referred to, or seek assistance from, specialist homelessness services (SHS) agencies. These services collect data on an ongoing basis and are responsible for submitting data to AIHW on a monthly basis.

There are two parts to the SHSC — a Client collection and an Unassisted Persons collection.

  • The Client collection captures information on adults and children who receive a service from a SHS agency.

The Unassisted Person collection is used to gain information about adults and children whose request for service is not able to be met by a SHS agency.

Collection details

Temporal coverage

from 1 July 2011

Geographical coverage

National and state and territory 

Data availability

  • Publications
  • Data cubes
  • Summary tables published in electronic form
  • Client specified tables on request which may be subject to data provider approval (charges apply)
  • Restrictions and limitations govern the availability or use of data in this holding.

Data scope

Client collection - The base unit is a person who presents to an SHS agency requesting services. A person becomes a ‘client’ once they receive a service(s). A ‘support period’ is the period of time a client receives assistance from a SHS agency. It relates to the provision of a service and/or supported accommodation. During a support period, a range of services additional to supported accommodation can be provided. Detail on types of services provided is also available.

Unassisted persons collection - Comprises information on the number of instances where a person received no immediate services from a SHS agency.

Details of all agencies participating in the SHSC are on the Specialist Homelessness Establishment Database file. The Specialist Homelessness Information Platform (SHIP) supports agencies to report for the SHSC and allows them to record information about support provided to clients and instances where a person received no immediate services. Information is extracted from SHIP and submitted to the AIHW monthly.

Methodology

Admin data

Metadata information and data quality statement (DQS)

SHS NMDS 2017

Specialist Homelessness Services Collection, 2016–17 DQS

External links and information 

Specialist Homelessness Services reports

Report on Government Services

Australia's welfare

Contact

[email protected]aihw.gov.au