Local authority housing departments have a duty to provide accommodation to people who are eligible for assistance, legally classed as homeless, in priority need and not intentionally homeless. 
 
Most homeless 16 and 17 year olds are considered to be in priority housing need, however, the local authority has no duty to house them if they are 'intentionally' homeless. Leaving home may result from disputes with parents, a desire to live alone or the risk of violence or abuse. 

Many local authorities have introduced mediation schemes, often contracted out to NFM family mediation providers. These schemes are intended to bring the young person together with their family to explore whether it is possible to negotiate a safe and sustainable return home. Our services have found that mediation can be effective in improving communication and restoring relationships, and that with ongoing support for the family from a caseworker some young people can return home. 

NFM services providing homelessness mediation include:

• North West London Family Mediation Service
• South East London Family Mediation Bureau