The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is yet to deliver the promised choice and control in housing and living supports for the more than 40,000 people with disability in Australia with high support needs. Many of these people are still stuck in group homes where they are at increased risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

There is an urgent need for innovation and a greater diversity of housing and living supports in Australia. Currently, Individualised Living Arrangements (ILAs) are an under-utilised housing and living support option for NDIS participants. ILAs offer participants greater flexibility and the opportunity for improved life outcomes.

This environmental scan explores how safeguarding approaches are structured in Individualised Living Arrangements (ILAs) and comparable shared living arrangements in Australia and internationally. It includes literature and informant insights about ILAs, foster care and aged care in Australia, and shared living arrangements for people with disability in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom (UK). 

Insights from the scan identify key areas for enhancing safeguarding measures for individuals supported through ILAs in Australia. The findings will inform the creation of a policy report outlining potential enhancements to the regulation and safeguarding of ILAs in Australia.