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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

“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

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

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

“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

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