Rapid Re-Housing in Brno: Challenges and Opportunities in Proving the Effectiveness of Social Work Methods

Eliska Cerna, Stepan Ripka

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Using the example of the evaluation of the Rapid Re-Housing project in Brno, we introduce challenges and opportunities in proving the efficiency of social work methods. Rapid Re-Housing, as the first in the Czech environment, tried to measure the efficiency of social work methods with a randomized control trial and qualitative evaluation, specifically measuring interventions of rehousing and intensive case management. THEORETICAL BASE: It takes evidence-based practice as its theoretical base. METHODS: The text uses the results of qualitative evaluation. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with the key actors of implementation, focus groups with rehoused families and discussion groups with social workers. The data were analysed with MaxQDA. OUTCOMES: Rapid Re-Housing proved to be efficient even 12 months after rehousing families to municipal flats. Retention rate in housing was 96 %. Despite robust research evidence and approval of this data by the Scientific Board, the political representation of the city decided against expanding the project, and rejected the Action Plan to End Family Homelessness in the City of Brno, which was inspired by the project. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The question of the relevance of evidence-based methods to the practice of Czech social work remains unanswered.

Keywords

ending homelessness, Rapid Re-Housing, randomized control trial, evidence-based practice

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