Ken Cloke once said that mediation could cure cancer.  And he wasn't kidding.  But I'll tell that story later. 

Here's an article from politics.co.uk that not only says mediation can prevent homelessness, but also that the British government is funding a pilot program to make that mediation magic happen.

The full article is quoted verbatim below. 

Relate: Mediation can prevent homelessness
Tuesday, 14 Nov 2006 10:55

Relationship organisation Relate has praised the government for announcing mediation measures aimed at helping avoid homelessness.

Communities secretary Ruth Kelly will today announce measures – including mediation between families – to help get vulnerably housed young people back on their feet.

Relate's head of public policy, Jenny North, noted family breakdown was the major cause of homelessness for young people – government figures show this accounts for nearly a quarter of the 94,000 cases accepted by local authorities last year.

She said the government's commitment to the issue was clear from the backing Relate had received in developing a homelessness mediation service, and a standards framework.

"By working with families to reduce conflict and build bridges, we can help young people stay in the family home, and avoid homelessness," Ms North added.

Relate today launches a pilot mediation service across 16 Relate centres nationwide to coincide with the 40th anniversary of seminal television drama Cathy Come Home.