Family support service for 16 and 17 year olds

Leaving home after an argument is not always the best thing to do. Many young people who leave home in an unplanned way end up in difficulty, or even homeless.

"I wanted to leave home to have my own space but when I left things were very different. Soon I had no money for food and clothes and wished I had stayed at home longer"
Tasha – 16 years old

How can we help?

Our team of family relations officers provide support and practical help to young people and families in resolving their difficulties, leading to the young person either staying, returning or leaving home in a planned way.

The aim of the service is to support parents and 16 to 17 years old to:

• prevent problems becoming a crisis 
• resolve arguments and conflicts 
• improve communication skills 
• improve relationship skills 
• prevent homelessness  

Preventing family breakdown

Prolonged arguments and problems in the family home can escalate into a family crisis and breakdown in relationship. The family relations officers provide practical support to enable families to resolve problems before they become a crisis. We can highlight the areas where parent/ carers and teenagers can work together to develop their relationship.

Strengthening teenager-parent relationships

Parenting teenagers and parents can be very enjoyable and rewarding but can also be extremely stressful and challenging.

It is not unusual for 16 and 17 year olds to have a turbulent relationship with their family and this can lead to disagreements and even temporary estrangement.

The service recognises the links between family conflict and youth homelessness and aims to tackle both. Early intervention and prevention is key. The earlier you let us know about your difficulties the more we can do to help.

The aim is to act impartially and help parents and teenagers share their concerns, resolve disagreements and overcome estrangement thus enabling the young person to remain or return home.

The service is made up of family relations officers with an independent mediation service available where necessary or appropriate.

The role of the family relations officer is to empower parents and teenagers to:

• identify the underlying issues 
• reduce misunderstandings 
• clarify priorities 
• explore areas of compromise 
• find points of agreement

Mediation with young people and parents

Sometimes the process of reconciliation takes time. In such cases, where appropriate, a referral to our specialist mediation service provides a way for young people and parent/carers to work together to find solutions to their problems and differences.

The process involves a trained mediator who will help the young person and their parent/ carers to communicate with each other and reach decisions on issues that are causing difficulties.

The family relations officer will explain in more detail the mediation process and facilitate a referral if necessary.

Who is the service for?

The service is for teenagers aged 16 and 17 and their parent/ carers living in Lambeth and experiencing difficulties.

The service is not available for young people who are known to social services who are a relevant child, or a child in need who is owed a duty under s.20 of the Children Act 1989.

Under 16?

If you are under 16, you can’t normally leave home unless there is a serious problem within your home. If your family is already receiving support from a social worker or if you feel you need to leave home, you should contact the Family support and child protection team for more information on 020 7926 5425.

'The Prodigals' film

The Prodigals film is part of the 'Tackling Youth Homelessness in Lambeth Together' campaign that raises awareness about youth homelessness. Find out more about The Prodigals film.

Contact us:

Via text messaging (SMS)

• To request a call from a Family Relations Officer, text ‘CALLME’ with a name and message to 82540.
• To download a video clip about the risks of leaving home in a crisis situation text ‘LETSTALK’ to 82540.

Family Support Service - Conflict Resolution
2-7 Town Hall Parade
Brixton Hill
London SW2 1RP
Tel: 020 7926 5135
Fax: 020 7926 5264
Email: familysupport@lambeth.gov.uk

Family Support and Child Protection
Phoenix House,
10 Wandsworth Road,
SW8 2LL
Tel: 020 7926 5425
Fax: 020 7926 5480

Children with disability team
If your family is already receiving a service from the Children with Disability Team, you should contact them at:

Phoenix House,
10 Wandsworth Road,
SW8 2LL
Tel: 020 7926 5555

Other useful services

Parentline Plus
A free telephone helpline offering help and information to anyone caring for children.

Telephone: 0808 800 2222
Telephone: 0800 783 6783 for people with hearing or speech impairment

Childline
A free telephone helpline for children and young people where they can talk to someone about any problems.
Telephone: 0800 1111

Connexions one-stop-shop
For careers and personal information for young people aged 13-19.

1 Acre Lane
Brixton
London SW2 5TB
Tel 020 7326 7642
Fax 020 736 7641
www.centrallondonconnexions.org.uk