Issues paper on group homes published by Disability Royal Commission

Living arrangements are a key issue for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability to explore because we know that people with disability may experience violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation in their homes.

Following the closure of large institutions in Australia, group homes became a common form of accommodation for people with disability. It was expected that the group home model would provide people with disability with more independence and meaningful life choices. However, concerns have been raised that group homes do not deliver these benefits. Some advocates claim that people with disability living in group homes experience exclusion and isolation, have less choice and control over their lives, and face an increased the risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Royal Commission issues paper on group homes outlines our preliminary understanding of the key issues experienced by people with disability living in group homes. The paper includes 10 questions to help people and organisations to provide responses. This issues paper focuses specifically on group homes. Other forms of accommodation will be addressed in future papers.

The Royal Commission encourages responses from individuals and organisations to the issues paper by 28 February 2020, although submissions will also be accepted after that date.

The issues paper on group homes is available in PDF, Word and easy read formats on our website.

Responses to the issues paper should be provided, either:

• electronically to DRCEnquiries@royalcommission.gov.au, or
• in writing to GPO Box 1422, Brisbane, Queensland 4001.

If you need support during this process, please contact 

For trauma-informed counselling, call Relationships Australia Canberra and Region on 1800 364 277 

For advocacy support call:

• ADACAS - call (02) 6242 5060 (9am-5pm AEST) Monday to Friday, or email at adacas@adacas.org.au    
• Advocacy for Inclusion call (02) 6257 4005 or email info@advocacyforinclusion.org