Tim, aged 17, approached HAP<25 in May 2008 for housing advice having been asked to leave home by his mother.
His relationship with his mother had deteriorated because he had started to get involved in petty crime, and had begun hanging around with young people who were involved in “minor gang activity”.
His mother had given him a final ultimatum regarding his behaviour but following that warning Tim had again got into trouble with the police and as a result he had been told to leave.
It was clear by the end of the initial conversation that Tim took some responsibility for his current situation, but that he did not want or feel ready to leave home.The Housing Advisor contacted Tim's mother who confirmed that as a result of Tim's behaviour both she and his younger sibling felt that they were at risk of retaliation.The Housing Advisor arranged for both Tim and his mother to meet with the Social Worker and Housing Options Officer at HAP<25 for a joint assessment to discuss a way forward.
The joint assessment was attended by Tim, his mother and his father, who no longer lived with the family. During the joint assessment Tim disclosed that he did not have a job, attend college or have any money. All were concerned that should Tim continue his current behaviour he may escalate into full gang activity.
Tim's parents agreed that he should live with his father for a while and both parents would work together with Tim on the issues raised. Both Tim, his mother and father agreed to attend mediation; the Housing Advisor also referred him to the Specialist Conexxions advisor also based at HAP<25.
Over the next six weeks the family had three further mediation sessions, by which time the relationship between Tim and his mother had improved, and Tim had decided that he would like to live with his father permanently and retain regular contact with his mother and sister.
Tim continued to attend HAP<25 and meet with the Conexxions personal advisor for a further three months. Tim reported that he was enjoying living with his father, and that he was getting on much better with his mum. He was very motivated to find employment, and within three months he had been supported to create a CV, complete four applications and attend two job interviews. He successfully secured part- time employment with a national retailer.
At the time, Tim's father reported that “Tim has done a complete turnaround, and is no longer hanging around the streets.” The Conexxions team contacted Tim to advise him that he would be closing his case, as he was no longer at risk of homelessness. Tim said he was about to increase his hours to full-time, and thanked staff for their help.
