This issue of Housing Management Keys will highlight some of the important changes and their impacts on community housing providers.

As each housing association or service will have its own policies and procedures on prevention of workplace violence and handling threatening behaviour, this fact sheet aims to provide a brief overview for community housing staff.

The Community Housing Rent Policy introduced in 2008 changed the way rent is calculated for community housing tenants who are eligible to receive Commonwealth Rent Assistance and/or Family Tax Benefits.

The aim of pre planning is to:

a. Assist tenants who are leaving short to medium term supported housing to avoid exiting into homelessness or unsustainable tenancies

b. Preparing tenants who are now able to sustain tenancies without support, to access independent accommodation rather than remaining in supported housing and taking up a place for another client requiring support.

In 2009, the NSW Government amended the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 to enact a five‐year Action Plan to re‐shape the way family and community services are delivered in NSW to improve the safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.

Community housing provides a valuable resource for those in need of housing, and properties are the most valuable asset. By making sure community housing properties are used as homes and not left vacant for long periods, it is important to have the right messages and communication regarding the properties and ensuring there are also policies and procedures to address any concerns or issues.