Our Work
The SHSPPF Project 2021–2025
About the project
Between 2021 and 2025, Homelessness Queensland worked with people across the state to develop the Specialist Homelessness Services Professional Practice Framework and Guidelines (SHSPPF) and related resources. More than 400 people contributed to the consultation, bringing experience from specialist homelessness services, other parts of the service system, and their own lives.
The SHSPPF sets out a shared approach to person-centred, trauma-informed, and culturally safe practice. It is designed to support reflection, collaboration and more consistent practice while recognising the different communities and circumstances services work with.
The SHSPPF is currently under review by the Department of Housing and Public Works. HQ will provide an update on its status and availability when the review is complete.
Work developed through the project
The consultation also informed three related pieces of work:
- Draft Outcomes Reporting Guide: Supports a shift from reporting output targets alone towards understanding both the support services provide, and the outcomes people experience. HQ plans to update the guide over the next year.
- Draft Community-Based Multidisciplinary Case Management Model: Explores how services and practitioners can coordinate support around a person’s goals and share responsibility across service boundaries.
- Draft Sector-Wide Workforce Development Strategy: Identifies priorities for strengthening practice, learning, leadership, and workforce capability across Queensland’s specialist homelessness sector.
Four years of consultation and development have also shaped HQ’s broader approach to workforce capability. The work was a catalyst for establishing the Academy for Learning (A4L) and informed four micro-credentials planned to launch in October 2026: Person-Centred Practice; Core Theories and Approaches; Collaboration, Systems, and Intersectionality; and Reflective Practice, Supervision and Professional Development.
Our thanks
We thank every service, worker, leader, and community partner who contributed time and expertise to the project. We acknowledge the guidance of the Steering Committee and Practice Advisory Panel, including representatives of 3rd Space, Mission Australia (FNQ), Mareeba Community Housing Company, NECSG, Regional Housing Limited, Salvation Army, Wesley Mission Queensland, and Youth Housing Project.
Most importantly, we thank our lived and living experience consultation partners. Their knowledge, honesty, and willingness to share what matters in practice helped shape the framework and the work that followed. We also acknowledge the contributions of people across Housing and Homelessness Services, the Department of Housing, Planning and Public Works, and local government.
For enquiries, contact info@homelessnessqld.au.
Related reports and resources
- Specialist Homelessness Services Practice and Performance FrameworkDocument not yet public
- Community-Based, Multi-Disciplinary Case Management Model (draft)Document not yet public
- Specialist Homelessness Services Outcomes Reporting GuideDocument not yet public