Social Development
- Whether the norms and standards for shelters for homeless adults of April 2015 have been implemented; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
- the norms and standards provide for first phase and second-phase facilities, what (a) first phase and (b) second-phase facilities are available and operating in the (i) province and (ii) City of Cape Town;
- (a) to what extent are these norms and standards implemented in terms of 2.1 (admission criteria)
(b) how many assessment centres are operational in terms of 2.2,
(c) how many personal development plans have been compiled for each resident in terms of 3.1
and (d) how many facilities (i) comply with 3.5
and (ii) have provided skills development programmes?
Answered by Hon Londt.
- In April 2015, the Western Cape Government, Department of Social Development, developed a set of Norms and Standards for Homeless shelters funded by the Department. The Directorate Children and Families program subsequently put this into action by consulting with and providing training to funded shelters. In order to operationalize shelters, the norms and standards give a framework, and they also direct the management and organization of funded shelters in applying this framework. The Norms and Standards are not binding on shelters that are not funded by the Department of Social Development, since the Department is not empowered by any legislation to regulate homeless shelters. Adherence to the Norms and Standards is instead used as a condition for continued funding by the Department.
- (a) The first phase of the facility is intended for prospective and existing clients who are brought directly from the street to the shelter in order to receive assistance with their most fundamental requirements. Currently the Department funds a total of 33 first phase shelters.
(b) The second phase facility is intended to provide a safe haven for current and potential clients who require assistance in stabilizing themselves following the initial phase. It is particularly tailored to clients who are employed and capable of operating independently. The facility should be designed to be more private, flexible and to assist clients in their reintegration or reunification into society. Additionally, the Department funds a total of 3 second phase shelter in the City of Cape Town area.
- (a) All 36 shelters that receive funding from the department are expected to follow the guidelines outlined in the Shelter Norms and Standards. This includes meeting the admission criteria.
(b) For the 24/25 fiscal year, the Department allocates funds for two assessment centres.
(c) A total of 2,950 personal development plans were compiled by the 36 funded shelters for the 24/25 financial year.
(d)(i) Shelter Norms and Standards are adhered to by all 36 funded shelters. (ii) It is anticipated that all 36 funded shelters should implement skills development programs, including gardening, recycling, and job readiness initiatives.
