Boarding Houses Act Evaluation: Interval 3 Report

This is the third interval report for the five year evaluation of the Boarding Houses Act 2012 (the Act). This report presents data that has been collected throughout 2016 in relation to the implementation of the Act, as well as resident outcomes in relation to rights and standards and well-being. This report also provides comparisons of data between the three annual collections prepared to date (2014-2016). The Act commenced in 2013 and aims to establish a regulatory framework for boarding houses to ensure that boarding house residents are provided with adequate protection and living standards. This evaluation has both process and outcomes components, and draws on program logic methodology. There are four overarching aims of the evaluation, including: assess the effect of the Act on the well-being of residents of boarding houses; assess whether the rights of residents of boarding houses are better protected following the introduction of the Act; determine the effect of the Act on the sustainability of the boarding house sector; and determine levels and types of collaboration between departments, agencies and community organisations that work with the boarding house sector. The evaluation involves annual data collections of residents, proprietors, staff who work in the health and welfare sector, as well as information from relevant state government agencies. The evaluation is producing a comprehensive longitudinal dataset that is generating sound evidence in relation to the impact of the Act, and particularly the experience of vulnerable and marginalised people who live in boarding houses. The interval reports are expected to present evidence that will assist in the successful implementation of the legislation. The interval reports can highlight emerging issues that need to be addressed through policy and program responses. This report has three main sections: 1. Regulatory framework – reporting on registrations included on the central register that is overseen by NSW Fair Trading; stakeholder (resident, proprietor, agency staff) reports of the implementation of the Act particularly in terms of the role of different organisations in regulating and governing the Act; stakeholder and proprietor knowledge and use of dispute resolution mechanisms; and analysis of complaints and enquiries made to NSW Fair Trading. 2. Rights and standards – reporting on the use of written occupancy agreements; the extent to which standards set out in the legislation are met; resident and proprietor reports of knowledge of the Act; and, fire safety measures. 3. Well-being of residents – reporting on the results of the personal well-being index, boarding house satisfaction index, as well as service use and unmet need.