The experience of homelessness is traumatic for any individual, let alone a child. Roughly a third of the U.S. homeless population is made up of families, and approximately 1.5 million children are homeless each year. Studies have shown that families experiencing homelessness often experience a range of negative outcomes, including poverty and domestic violence. With these disheartening statistics in mind, many communities are making efforts to address the issue of homelessness amongst children and families, and understand its many possible causes and implications.
This study examined the current literature on familial homelessness, and focused on the relationship between the child and his/her primary caregiver. It proposed that focusing on the meeting of established developmental milestones, and addressing the relationships between the child and primary caregiver, as well as examining social factors and available resources are more effective methods of addressing this issue than merely focusing on just the child or caregiver as individuals.
Essentially, adversities faced by homeless children and families can be separated into three categories: 1) The conditions that may have led to homelessness, such as poverty, trauma, mental illness, and limited job skills, 2) The risks that come as a consequence of being homeless, such as social stigma from employers, businesses, schools, and peers, and 3) risks or adversities that occur as a result of interventions designed to address the needs of children and families, such as staying in shelters which may be unsafe and programs that separate family members from each other. By examining how these different hardships interact with each other, the support community will be better equipped to address the major physical and mental health issues that result from homelessness.
The researchers concluded that while there are many important aspects to consider when providing services to homeless children and families, a central emphasis can be put on strengthening the family unit, particularly the relationship between the child and primary caregiver. When experiencing stress or a traumatic event such as homelessness, strong family support can be incredibly effective for helping a child to cope by providing warmth, nurturing, emotional support, and helping the child to make sense of an event and develop healthy methods for dealing with it. With this in mind, it is particularly important to focus on the well-being of the caregiver, in that if they are not well, they will be less able to assist in caring for a child.
Overall, it is important to remember that as communities work to address the major problem of homelessness, a focus on child development and a wider perspective of the big picture as well as the diverse milieu of factors associated with homelessness, may not only be a more effective way to help children and families in need, but may also allow service providers to refine their practices by identifying factors on which to focus.
Written by Buddy Toth, Visiting Student in Research.