The changing shape of provision for rough sleepers: from conditionality to care

Abstract

This article is situated within wider debates about the changing shape of policy and practice within the field of homelessness. It reports on a small scale case study of an intensive key worker support service operating in England designed to move multiply disadvantaged rough sleepers off the streets. The discussion of the empirical data draws attention to different modes of control inherent within the project's working practices that are designed to incite rough sleepers to make positive changes. The article suggests that the project is a useful example of a ‘nascent trend’ within homeless support services of tolerant and less conditional approaches for those who are the most disadvantaged. The article suggests that this move towards tolerance offers positive benefits for rough sleepers with complex needs that mark a shift away from more punitive and coercive practices.

Keywords:

• Rough sleeping
• complex needs
• homeless support
• conditionality

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Sadie Parr is a Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University.

Notes

1 The notion of ‘engagement' is not unambigious. Amongst ‘non-engagers' there were indicators of progress such as regular contact with the key worker.

2 The outcomes star is used widely by organisations which support people experiencing homelessness and a variety of other complex needs. Individuals and their support worker discuss and score progress over time against the 10 criteria.