All partners should prioritise early intervention and mediation (upstream prevention) where a young person is at risk of homelessness due to family conflict. This may include mediation, behavioural agreements and wider support to promote positive relationships and prevent escalation.
Where Children’s Services are aware of risk, a referral should be made to the Intensive Prevention Service. Following acceptance, a joint visit with the allocated Social Worker will take place to develop a coordinated support plan to enable the young person to remain safely at home where possible. The wider family network should also be explored, including consideration of Family Group Conferencing or family meetings.
The Intensive Prevention Service provides time-limited support (up to 12 weeks) to young people at risk of entering care or requiring accommodation, focusing on:
- Supporting emotional, psychological and behavioural needs
- Preventing entry into care or homelessness
- Enabling young people to remain at home or return from short-term accommodation.
- Providing targeted early support before needs escalate.
Oversight responsibility remains with the allocated Social Worker throughout.
