Family Mediation and Conflict Resolution

Descriptions

As part of the implementation of their rapid rehousing transition plan, Angus Council has committed to implementing a family mediation and conflict resolution service, with implementation planned for April 2020. One of the five strategic priorities agreed for Angus’ Rapid Rehousing Transition plan is to increase the focus on prevention to stop homelessness happening in the first place. Relationship breakdown continues to be the most common reason for homeless applications in Angus, 274 people who made homeless applications in 2018/19 cited the breakdown of a relationship or being asked to leave family or friends’ homes (39% of all applications), supporting the need for the introduction of mediation or conflict resolution intervention. We envisage the Family Mediation and Conflict Resolution Service to be accessible from a variety of referral sources to work with families, young people and couples where either there is a current threat of homelessness due to relationship breakdown or earlier, where there are relationship difficulties to prevent homelessness or the threat of homelessness occurring. Where it is safe to do so, the service will provide support to identify and address the root causes of the relationship difficulties, and use communication, conflict resolution skills and mediation to build relationships and help the person remain in the family home. Where remaining in the family home is not possible, the service will work with the family so any move can be completed in a planned and supported way.