The Trimbos Institute has started a study of the opportunities and the obstacles facing shelter facilities for homeless people which is managed by the homeless themselves.
Three self-managed social reception facilities have approached the institute for this research: Je Eigen Stek (Amsterdam), Nachtopvang uit Noodzaak (Nijmegen) and Nachtopvang in Zelfbeheer (Utrecht).
The following issues will be addressed:
Why is self-management in homeless shelters important?
There is little knowledge about this topic as of yet. There indications that people staying in the shelters gain more self-confidence and learn to function more independently when they assume responsibility themselves for their own reception and recovery. This assistance also seems to meet the target group’s needs better. After all, the assistance is being given by people who are or who used to be homeless themselves.
How is it shaped in practice?
The three facilities each shape the concept of self-management individually. What form does self-management take in practice and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the various concepts of self-management? Self-management and co-production are rare in this sector and have not been described and compared systematically before.
How can self-management be sustained in the long run?
Social reception facilities are facing pressure to professionalise themselves by putting standards in place for responsibility, financing and quality of care. Internally, the facilities are also facing dilemmas: how to tackle conflicts of interest, what role do care professionals play, how can continuity be guaranteed when the make-up of the group changes?
The study will not just result in recommendation to the three facilities themselves but will also reach out to everyone who wants to further client participation in social care.
More information:
Mathijs Tuynman
