Young adults (18–25 years) constitute about a quarter of the homeless population in Flanders and often experience difficulties transitioning to adulthood. Research conducted at KU Leuven shows elevated rates of mental health issues (23%), intellectual disabilities (14%), and addiction-related challenges (17.7%) within this demographic, with many individuals having a history in youth care services (Hermans & Italiano, 2021).

Due to the combination of these complex factors, these young adults frequently fall between the cracks of existing service provision. Previous literature argues that addressing youth homelessness effectively requires a specialised, integrated and intensive approach (Hermans & Italiano, 2021).

Drawing on experiences from initiatives such as A Way Home and Back on Track, which advocate inter-sectoral collaboration, the Flemish agencies Opgroeien, VAPH (Flemish agency for people with disabilities), and the Department of Welfare issued a call for organisations to establish specialised intensive inter-sectoral teams. Since April 2025, eight such teams have initiated support trajectories with young adults at increased risk of homelessness.

To support these teams in their practice, Back on Track, SAM vzw, and AP University of Applied Sciences were commissioned to co-design a two‑year coaching programme. This programme integrates expertise in Collective Impact, inter-sectoral cooperation, and evidence‑based methodologies such as Back-on-Track and Housing First (For Youth). Its overarching goal is to enhance knowledge, foster reflection and peer learning, and empower teams tackling this ‘wicked’ problem.

This article discusses the preliminary insights from the first year of the programme, identifies the key challenges the teams encountered, and highlights the importance of reflective practice in navigating complex professional situations.