1. FASD and Homelessness A Reality Check
The absence of housing is the absence of everything
Presented By Tina Antrobus
Adults with FASD: Swimming Upstream Conference Vancouver, BC
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

2. Why is housing important?
“The balancing act”
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

3. ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
FASD Pyramid of Need
FAMILY
A & D
PARENTING
SOCIAL RELATIONS
LEISURE
HEALTH/ NUTRITION
MEDS
SCHOOL
TRANSPORT
LEGAL DIVERSION
MENTAL HEALTH
FINANCES
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING
WORK
HOUSING
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

4. Why do adults with FASD become homeless?
Because four walls and a roof are not enough. Ever.
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

5. Question: Answer: What is the primary goal of independent living?
Successful management of the activities of daily living
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

6. FASD and Homelessness Activities of Daily Living Nutrition Laundry
Family
Banking
Problem Solving
Food Safety
Dress
Manage Money
Grocery Shopping
House Keeping
Medication
Cook Meals
Pay Bills
Emotions
Activities of Daily Living
Employment
Home Repair/ Maintenance
Medical Care
Purchases
Interpersonal Relationships
Transportation
Access Services
Birth Control
Hygiene
Leisure Recreation
Appointments
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

7. FASD and Activities of Daily Living
Streissguth et al. Longitudinal Study (1996),
Sample of adults age 21+ were unable to:
Manage money 82%
Make daily living decisions 78%
Obtain social services 70%
Get medical care 68%
Handle interpersonal relationships 57%
Grocery shop 52%
Cook meals 49%
Structure leisure activities 48%
Stay out of trouble 48%
Handle hygiene 37%
Use public transportation 24%
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

8. 80% are unable to live independently* (Regardless of IQ) Why?
FASD and Homelessness
80% are unable to live independently*
(Regardless of IQ)
Why?
* Streissguth et.al. (1996)
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

9. The Conundrum of FASD and Housing
All activities of daily living are done in, around, and out of the place in which you live.
If you don’t have a place to live The rest doesn’t matter.
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

10. Absence of Housing = Inability to Function. Period.
FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER
SOCIAL RELATIONS
FAMILY
LEISURE
SCHOOL
ACTIVITES OF DAILY LIVING
TRANSPORT
A & D
MEDS
MENTAL HEALTH
FINANCES
EDUCATION
HEALTH / NUTRITION
WORK
PARENTING
DIVERSION
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

11. Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004
FASD and Homelessness
Sole qualification in BC for even the most minimal of services from Community Living Services, MCFD, the only branch of social services where housing supports for adults can be obtained, is:
IQ < 70
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

12. “Denial by Design” FASD and Homelessness
Options for the Homeless
Emergency Shelter
$31- $85/day
Detox Centre $80 - $185/day
Provincial Jail $155 - $250/day
Psychiatric Hospital
$200 - $600/day*
Permanent Housing Options
SRO Room
$11/day
Self-contained Apt.
$14 - $20/day
Supportive Housing
$32 - $38/day*
Supportive Housing for Adults w/ FASD
$100 / day ????? VS
* Homelessness – Causes & Effects Volume 3: The Costs of Homelessness in British Columbia, February 2001.
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

13. “Denial by Design” FASD and Homelessness
The homeless use 33% more government services than those with permanent shelter, and are such heavy users of services that it would be more cost effective to provide them with decent stable housing.*
* Homelessness – Causes & Effects Volume 3: The Costs of Homelessness in British Columbia, February 2001.
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

14. Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004
“Supportive Housing”
for adults with FASD
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

15. The 7 S’s of Supportive Housing Jan Lutke, 2004
SELECTION
STRUCTURE
SUPPORT
STABILITY
SAFETY
SECURITY
SUPERVISION
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

16. “Supportive” Housing for FASD
Long Term Safe Permanent “Place to Call Home”
Awake Staff 24/7
Integrated Individualized Case Management
Meals Provided
Programs (Employment, Education, Leisure)
Comprehensive Supported Activities of Daily Living
Peer Support (Circle of Friends, mentor)
Family Involvement / Support
Addictions Services
Health Care (GP, PHN, meds)
Mental Health
Transportation
Legal Resources
Staff Support
No Eviction Policy
* Specifically for non-parenting adults with FASD
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004

17. The absence of housing is the absence of everything!
Reality Check
The absence of housing is the absence of everything!
Tina Antrobus, FASD Connections 2004