The Legislative Council Legal and Social Issues Committee tabled a report in parliament last week with 51 recommendations to government, following more than a year long inquiry into homelessness in the state.

The committee found people at risk of or experiencing homelessness were more likely to have involvements with the justice system and could face barriers to accessing legal services.

Committee chair Fiona Patten said the committee hoped to look more closely at justice issues and homelessness during a forthcoming inquiry.

"Too often, people at risk of homelessness are discharged or released into the community without sufficient planning or support to find and keep accommodation," she said in the report.

"Without a home, these individuals may soon end up back in the justice system.

"For those leaving incarceration, being released into homelessness inhibits their chances at successful re-integration into the community."

Uniting Ballarat housing and homelessness acting coordinator Adam Liversage said there were definite links between homelessness, offending and re-offending in Ballarat.

"Accessing safe, appropriate and affordable housing has continued to be a major challenge faced by prisoners on release," he said.

"There seems to be breakdown, or lack a systematic approach to case management of people exiting prison.

"Those on straight release with no housing options can be exited into homelessness or some form of crisis accommodation that isn't sustainable. This is more so concerning for those with complex needs."

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Mr Liversage said there needed to be more resources and a systematic approach to assist people exiting prison into appropriate housing.

"There is a massive housing shortage in Victoria, and Ballarat is no exception to that, making it even more difficult to access long term secure housing," he said.

"The private rental market is almost non accessible for those on low incomes especially if you are on JobSeeker and the recent COVID-19 decrease in payments makes this even more difficult.

"Living in a hotel or motel can be costly and with limited cooking facilities meaning having to purchase takeout meals, which in the long-term can create further health issues."

Mr Liversage said there was a 'massive need' for youth justice properties in particular, as there was currently minimal properties with slow turnaround.

Uniting uses the Housing Establishment Fund to assist people exiting prison or in the justice system to pay for crisis or emergency accommodation.

HEF is also used to provide accommodation for people needing an address to be bailed to.

"More often than not this is a hotel or motel which is not sustainable ongoing and they may result in an eventual exit into primary homelessness anyway," Mr Liversage said.

Corrections Victoria provides a Reintegration Pathway program, with transition workers supporting prisoners with housing.

"Prisoners are advised to begin considering housing options well before leaving prison," Corrections Victoria information states.

"Support is available in prison from visiting housing workers who can provide information about housing options and make referrals to housing support services on release."

The Magistrates' Court of Victoria Court Integrated Services Program is a bail support program that helps people access support services, including finding temporary accommodation to apply for bail.

"CISP staff work collaboratively with local housing and crisis support services to support our CISP participants find emergency accommodation from the available providers," a statement said.

"Secure housing is important for an individual to help with their recovery,."

Mr Liversage said limited options for low income earners meant people turned to hotels and motels, caravan parks, couch surfing or sleeping rough.

The state homelessness inquiry report states measures can be taken through the legal system to intervene earlier and prevent homelessness.

It also refers to actions that can be taken to prevent interactions with the judicial system for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The committee found rough sleepers were more likely to receive fines and charges relating to 'public order offences'.

It made a recommendation the Victorian government develop and implement a protocol for Victoria Police to use in responding to people experiencing homelessness.

The protocol should include training and equipping enforcement officers to make referrals to appropriate services as an alternative to fines and charges.

The committee also recommended the Magistrates' Court considered investigating the need for the establishment of a special homelessness list.

"As soon as someone comes into contact with the criminal justice system they should be targeted for assistance," the report states.

"Early intervention is considered highly cost-effective and can prevent ongoing interactions with the justice system."

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Mr Liversage said the issue stemmed back to a dire need for more suitable long-term housing.

He said there was a need to create a localised response with a more collaborative approach between agencies.

He also said there was a need for a more systematic approach to those exiting prison, ensuring referral pathways to supports and housing applications were completed.

Mr Liversage said the government should better resource programs that can provide assertive outreach like the Street 2 Home program.

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