✨ Diversion: module overview

The Diversion module is new in HIFIS 4.0.60 (October 2023). As it is relatively new, we generally have less experience with putting it to use in communities. Also note that as it is so new, this section is more subject to change than other modules.

According to the official documentation:

Shelter diversion is a process intended to identify safe housing options for individuals or families experiencing homelessness seeking entry into emergency shelter. It is an important part of the Coordinated Access process, and its main objective is to prevent a shelter stay by finding a safe and appropriate alternative.

The Diversion module added to this version of HIFIS enables users to record diversion attempts. The module offers both a standard form option and a workflow option. The workflow option provides HIFIS users with a script that can be read to clients explaining the diversion process. In addition, this script can be customized by HIFIS administrators according to the community’s needs.

Generally speaking, the Diversion module is useful for when you're doing shelter diversion. It allows you to record:

• That a client presented for service
• What their presenting needs were
• What assistance was provided to the client
• What the outcome was

There are two methods to create a Diversion record in HIFIS.

1. The workflow method shows the user multiple steps, with a script, essentially walking them through the process of shelter diversion. For example, the first step is to record some high level information (who, when, where); the second step provides a script for staff to state the goal of diversion and ask why the staff are presenting for service; the third step asks about where they were staying last night; etc. This procedure is best for newer staff or if you're newly implementing diversion in your community and it's not being done consistently well.
2. The one-page method has a simple one-page form, like other modules, where you simply record what happened after the fact. This method is best for when staff are having diversion conversations away from their computer, or the staff are very experienced and don't need a guide.

You can choose to enable one method or the other, or both, or give some staff access to one while other staff have access to the other.