The Royal Commission found that group home settings often fail to ensure the safety and autonomy of residents. People with disabilities in these settings face limited choices about their living conditions and personal development. The issues raised by the Royal Commission regarding supported accommodation highlight the complexities and challenges, emphasising the need for improved practices and accountability. Current practices can deny residents basic rights and opportunities for growth.

Limited Choice and Need for Reform

Many people with disability are forced to live in group homes due to a lack of alternatives. Living supports, as part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), play a crucial role in assisting individuals with disabilities by addressing their daily living needs and enhancing their choice and control over living arrangements. This lack of choice highlights the urgent need for reforms to expand housing options and offer more inclusive solutions. Increasing the availability of accessible social housing is crucial to providing better living conditions and more options for people with disabilities.

Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation

NDIS participants with higher support needs who require continuous assistance at home benefit from Supported Independent Living (SIL) through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It provides personalized support, allowing greater control over living arrangements and support delivery. Specialist disability accommodation is also a key component, focusing on identifying best practices for supported accommodation.

Innovative Projects and Funding Flexibility

The NDIA’s Home and Living Demonstration Projects started in 2021, aim to design and test new models for SIL. The NDIS Commission, through its Own Motion Inquiry, investigates issues related to Supported Accommodation, highlighting findings and compliance actions. The Australian government has shown its commitment to improving disability care and support through its formal response to the Disability Royal Commission. There is a call for greater flexibility in NDIS funding to support diverse living arrangements beyond group homes.

Key Differences Between Group Homes and Supported Independent Livng (SIL)

1. Living Arrangement: Group homes involve multiple individuals living together with shared supports, raising concerns about proposals that mandate participants with 24/7 living support to share their supports with others. SIL offers more personalised support tailored to the individual’s needs. Supported accommodation services have evolved to address the challenges faced by individuals, emphasising the importance of quality safeguards and human rights-based practices.

2. Choice and Control: Group homes often limit choices about living situations. SIL provides greater autonomy and personalised support, allowing individuals to make decisions about their daily lives.

3. Support Needs: SIL is for those with higher support needs, offering continuous assistance, while group homes cater to a broader range of support levels in a communal setting.

Disability Royal Commission Recommendations for Phasing Out Group Homes

The Disability Royal Commission recommends phasing out group homes within the next 15 years. The NDIS Commission, through its Own Motion Inquiry, has investigated issues related to Supported Accommodation, highlighting compliance and monitoring actions concerning various providers and outlining an Action Plan aimed at addressing these findings for improved long-term outcomes. The plan includes:

• Inclusive Housing Supply: Assess current and future housing needs, and pilot alternative housing models. This aligns with the vision of an inclusive Australia, ensuring that housing options are accessible and supportive for all individuals.

• Transition Support: Provide advice, advocacy, and support for individuals moving from group homes to more independent living.

• Regulatory and Funding Reforms: Review and reform funding models to ensure flexibility and support for diverse housing options.

• Implementation Planning: Co-design the transition plan with people with disabilities and set specific timeframes for phasing out group homes.

The Royal Commission’s findings highlight the urgent need to transition from group homes to more inclusive, personalised housing options like Supported Independent Living. By expanding choices, ensuring greater autonomy, and prioritising the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, we can create a more inclusive society that truly supports independent living.

For more information on The Royal Commission's findings, please read this supporting document.

How ShiftCare Empowers Supported Independent Living

As the disability support sector evolves, ShiftCare offers care management solutions to enhance Supported Independent Living services. Our comprehensive care management platform is designed to streamline operations, improve communication, and ensure high-quality care delivery in SIL settings.

With ShiftCare, SIL providers can:

• Create detailed, personalised care plans

• Schedule and manage support workers efficiently

• Track progress and generate comprehensive reports

• Ensure compliance with NDIS regulations

• Facilitate seamless communication between clients, families, and support staff

By leveraging ShiftCare’s powerful tools, SIL providers can focus on what matters most: empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and with dignity.

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1. What did the Royal Commission find about group homes in Australia?

The Royal Commission found that group homes often fail to ensure the safety and autonomy of residents with disabilities. The limited choices in these settings highlight the need for reform in Supported Independent Living (SIL) and other housing options to provide better care and more independence for NDIS participants.

2. How does Supported Independent Living (SIL) differ from group homes?

Supported Independent Living (SIL) offers personalised support tailored to individuals with higher support needs, allowing greater autonomy over living arrangements. In contrast, group homes typically involve shared supports and can limit personal choice, which the Royal Commission has criticised for restricting residents' freedom.

3. What are the key recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission regarding group homes?

The Disability Royal Commission recommends phasing out group homes over the next 15 years. It suggests transitioning to more inclusive housing options like Supported Independent Living (SIL), improving NDIS funding flexibility, and increasing accessible social housing to ensure better living conditions for people with disabilities.