Young people who experience homelessness typically come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have suffered trauma and disruption in childhood. This is compounded by the experience of being homeless, which has lifeinhibiting economic, social and health impacts on those who are amongst the most vulnerable in our society. Around 75,000 young people in the UK become homeless every year and the number is growing; homelessness is on the increase again for the first time since 2003 and youth unemployment is at an all time high. With cuts reverberating throughout the public sector consideration needs to be given now on how homelessness can be prevented to save public funds and give young people a chance to fulfil their potential. Family breakdown is the biggest cause of youth homelessness. Reconnect is Depaul UK’s flexible por tfolio of services that aims to prevent youth homelessness. Reconnect aims to support family cohesion and repair fragmented relationships before things hit crisis point, as well as intervening when young people have left home and presented themselves as homeless to statutory services. Reconnect is delivered in London, Kent, North East and North West England and can be tailored to meet local need through discussion with commissioners and par tners. The services offered under the Reconnect model include: - Family mediation and informal one-to-one suppor t. - Surgeries and workshops in schools. - Parenting classes. Reconnect is extremely effective. Depaul UK’s monitoring shows that: - Homelessness was prevented in 82 per cent of clients. - Housing was resolved for at least six months in 76 per cent of clients referred to Oldham Reconnect. - Early intervention is especially effective; homelessness is prevented in 90 per cent of clients who are helped before they leave home, compared to 64 per cent of clients helped after they have left home. - An average of just three sessions are needed to prevent homelessness. However, the service goes fur ther than just preventing homelessness; the outcomes recorded by independent researchers at Homeless Link include: - Improved behaviour and ability to respond to authority. - Improved anger management techniques. - Better engagement with school, education or improved employability. - Improved mental health among parents.