Readiness assessments in moving on initiatives: a scoping review

ABSTRACT

This scoping review examines how housing “readiness” is assessed among permanent supportive housing residents before transitioning to mainstream housing through a Moving on initiative (MOI). This paper connects the concept of housing-readiness to concepts of readiness in mental health and substance use treatment, as well as to notions that any concept of readiness implies a category of non-readiness. It then employs scoping review methods to map the existing literature on MOI readiness assessments and markers of readiness, in order to discuss outstanding gaps in this field and inform future MOI practices. Sources were screened according to specified inclusion criteria, resulting in a total of 19 sources. Inclusion required indication of a readiness assessment approach or tool, or some marker of readiness. Common markers described in these sources include financial stability, health and behavioral health, housing stability, support needs, independent living skills, and housing choice. Overall, this review finds common themes across sources that can guide future research on the effectiveness of readiness assessment tools and markers of readiness. Findings can inform future MOIs, participant preparation and engagement in PSH, and the design of readiness assessment tools in the wider field of homelessness services.

KEYWORDS:

• Permanent supportive housing
• moving on initiatives
• housing readiness
• homelessness
• scoping review

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to recognize the support of our subject matter experts who were pivotal in assisting us locate additional sources for this review.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [JG], upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Jordan M. Goodwin

Ms. Jordan M. Goodwin (LSW, MDiv) is a third-year doctoral student in the School of Social Work at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Master of Social Work from Rutgers. Her research focuses on issues around housing instability, mental health, and substance use among individuals and families. She is also a licensed social worker and ordained chaplain with direct practice experience in psychiatric treatment facilities and low-income housing communities.

Emmy Tiderington

Dr. Emmy Tiderington is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and Associate Faculty at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Prior to this appointment, she worked as a clinical supervisor, social worker, and direct care provider in housing and case management programs for individuals with serious mental illness and other complex needs. Her research has been funded by a variety of Federal, State, local, and private funders, including the National Institute of Mental Health, State of New Jersey, Oak Foundation, and Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.

Elizabeth Noonan

Ms. Elizabeth Noonan is a clinical social work student in the School of Social Work at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers, The State School of New Jersey.