This report comprises the Literature Review undertaken as Stage One of an 'An exploration of self-reliance in SAAP'. It should be read in conjunction with the Final Report Getting back on my feet: Exploring Self-reliance in the context of supported accommodation and homelessness (Kunnen & Martin, 2004). The literature review: summarises methodology guiding the review; identifies search strategies; and outlines conclusions drawn from the literature reviewed. Some of the findings informed the development of conceptual and working definitions of self-reliance and an interview guide developed and tested during the latter stages of this project.
The search strategy adopted for the literature review identified the concepts of self- reliance and homelessness in research and other areas of literature. Appropriate databases were searched, as well as generalist web-based search engines. The literature review was, of necessity, limited in scope by the aims and timelines of the overall project.
Based on the project aims, the purpose of the literature review was to:
- Review the concept of self-reliance in the context of homelessness.
- Document relevant models and examples of good practice.
- Identify themes and components contributing to a definition of self-reliance in the context of SAAP.
It was found that a concept of self-reliance has not been systematically developed in the academic literature and that there is no clear definition of this commonly used term within the SAAP context.
The lack of systematic measurement of the extent to which homeless people have achieved independence, self-reliance or related concepts is also reflected in the dearth of survey instruments unearthed in the literature review. There are however, two notable exceptions to this, Browton (2001) and the work of the Minnesota Community Action Association (2002).
At the same time, a variety of specific domains were identified in relevant research/literature that have been associated with self-reliance. These emerged from an examination of models and practice types and to some degree these are supported by the SAAP program literature. The use of specific domains, or areas, to define or conceptualise self-reliance was evident both in overseas literature, as well as a recent Western Australian study. Specifically, access to housing and adequate income along with engaging in employment related activities are consistently identified in SAAP and other literature as factors that promote self-reliance and independence. Additional life domains that are seen to impact on self-reliance include self efficacy, the belief in one's ability to respond to adverse situations, problem solving skills, financial management skills, social and living skills, perseverance in the face of adversity and the knowledge of, and ability to, access required resources and supports. These areas or domains informed design of an interview guide tested during the study.
The review also identified two varying directions in overseas responses to homelessness that relate to defining and assessing self-reliance. This literature indicates that responses and service delivery strategies vary between:
- programs that adopt a 'housing first' approach; and
- programs that initially provide support and subsequently respond to material and physical hardship or homelessness.
Based on the literature review and preliminary analysis of focus group input the parameters of a 'working definition' of self-reliance are emerging. Research to-date emphasises that it is unrealistic to assume a 'one-size-fits-all' definition of self-reliance in the context of homelessness can be identified or incorporated into a survey instrument. Rather the definition, and any survey instrument developed for assessing progress towards self-reliance, both need to conceptualise self-reliance as a concept that is multi-dimensional and multi-layered. Self-reliance is also strongly influenced by an individual SAAP client's context. Context, in turn, relates to a client's circumstances and broader individual, social, cultural and systemic experiences and positioning. Each client's position and progress towards self-reliance is relative to and influenced by context.
A further conclusion is that self-reliance cannot be defined in terms of a linear progression from a position of dependency to a clearly defined outcome or position that can be generally described as 'self-reliance'. Research so far endorsed the relevance of describing progress towards self-reliance in terms of pathways, or journeys. Preliminary analysis strongly suggests, however, that such pathways are not linear, but need to be understood as comprising multiple trajectories.
In responding to the complexities and tensions outlined above, it is proposed that a working definition of self-reliance be developed that encompasses three domain areas, namely, practical, skills and self/personhood. Each domain comprises several sub-areas or components.