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Structure of this report

This chapter has presented the context and rationale for the current study. It has outlined the evolving body of knowledge about the nature of homelessness in Australia and the legal and access to justice issues facing people when homeless. Building on this, the current study presents a picture of the particular legal needs of homeless people in NSW, the relevant legal and non-legal services available in this State, and the barriers faced by homeless people in recognising and pursuing their rights.

Chapter 2 of this report outlines the methodology used in this study.

Chapter 3 discusses the numbers of people experiencing homelessness in NSW, together with their geographic distribution, circumstances and characteristics.

Chapter 4 discusses the legal issues facing people as they enter and become entrenched in homelessness.

Chapter 5 explores the barriers faced by homeless people in identifying and seeking support for their legal issues.

Chapter 6 discusses the different types of legal assistance available to homeless people in NSW, the challenges services face in helping homeless clients, and the features of legal assistance services that increase their accessibilty and utility to homeless people.

Chapter 7 examines the role played by non-legal service providers in linking homeless people with legal assistance services and in assisting them to engage in legal processes.

Chapter 8 examines the barriers faced by homeless people to accessing and participating in legal processes relevant to their needs.

Chapter 9 draws together themes from the each of the chapters to present a summary of the legal needs and access justice issues facing homeless people in NSW.