Every year in Scotland, 6,000 young people (16 - 24 years old) become homeless in Scotland because the relationship with their family breaks down. Thousands of them could be saved from the trauma of homelessness if services to mediate between them and their families were better funded, more joined up and available consistently in the right time and place.

"Mediation and Homelessness Prevention in Scotland: A decade of mediation between young people and their families" (available to download below) puts mediation services in Scotland under the microscope. By stopping young people ending up on the street, or living in temporary housing, Scotland would save not just human misery but money too.

Over a third of young people say that reconciliation with their family could have been possible and yet many young people who had become homeless as a result of relationship breakdown have no knowledge of mediation services. Mediation is unique in leading families to their own solutions which are more likely to stick than decisions imposed by others such as homeless officers. As relationships are strengthened, often families find a young person can stay at home or even return home, thus preventing homelessness. Even if a young person does move out, having the support of their family can be crucial in helping them to keep safe and keep their home.

The report highlights a number of key areas for politicians, policy makers and those working with young people, including:

• Earlier Intervention - There must be wider awareness amongst all services working with young people, from schools to GPs, of factors that suggest a young person is at risk of homelessness and of how they can refer them onto homelessness prevention services.
• Available to under-16s - Research shows large numbers of young people under 16 run away each year after family conflict and later go onto become homeless. Currently most services are only offered to over 16s, leaving many young people falling through a gap. This must be filled and services made available to a younger generation.
• Quality and accountability - Services should be registered with the Scottish Mediation Register and monitored by the Scottish Housing Regulator to ensure high quality, consistent services.
• Best practice network - Provision for sharing best practice is patchy and the report recommends a national network to include mediators from local authorities and homelessness organisations to share strategic and operational lessons learnt.
• More funding - The vast majority of mediation services are local authority funded, so for many services the future is dependent on a shrinking pot of money. More money must be invested in mediation and its development to tackle the large problem of youth homelessness.

"Homeless prevention is at the top of the agenda and mediation has been proven to play a significant part. This research provides a useful resource for practitioners wanting to positively influence good practice and learn from past experiences. It will also assist local authorities and other commissioners to develop homelessness prevention services."
- Daniel Coote, Policy Officer, Scottish Council for Single Homeless