Emerging Models of Social Work Accompanying Housing, or How Czech Social Workers Treat Homelessness in Families with Children, while Having No Legal Support

Soňa Vávrová, Alice Gojová

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the article is to describe emerging social work models accompanying housing that are implemented in work with endangered children and families, among others.
THEORETICAL BASE: Czech social work which supports housing makes use of two approaches to reintegrate people without a shelter. These are Housing Ready and Housing First.
METHODS: Clarke’s situational analysis was used as a research method and a way of data analysis; it surveyed the whole and non-reduced situation. Qualitative data were gained from interviews with 29 social workers and analysed by way of chosen steps.
OUTCOMES: 5 dominant social work models that accompany housing were identified. Following the criterion of Relation to housing stock, these were (1) the protective model, (2) the model promoting autonomy, and (3) the model based on the extent to which the social worker accepts the demands of the client and the environment. Following the criterion of Understanding housing as a right or readiness assessment, these were (4) the model specialised in the competence in housing and (5) the comprehensive model.
SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: Getting to know Czech social work models accompanying housing can help us when formulating (the lack of ) legal norms, mainly with regard to the endangered target group of families with children.

Keywords:
social work models, homeless families with children, social housing