NCJ Number
200959
Date Published
2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This chapter profiles chronically homeless children and families, including associated child abuse, and discusses program development for services to homeless families.
Abstract
The chronically homeless child is usually in the care of an adult who is either mentally ill, drug or alcohol addicted, or dependent upon another addicted or mentally ill adult. Many abusive controlling adults prefer the isolated life and move from place to place with children and wives under their control. The children may endure significant abuse and deprivation. In addition, children in families who become suddenly homeless and are not successful in re-establishing their lives in a reasonable time become increasingly vulnerable to abuse, largely due to the increased parental stress level. Thus, children in homeless families frequently have medical, developmental, and emotional issues that must be addressed by professionals who can provide intervention services. Services should include medical evaluation, developmental and educational services, and emotional and psychological evaluation and services. Program development should take the form of crisis intervention that encompasses the provision of food, shelter, clothing, schooling, and medical/dental care. Services should evolve to include skill building, preparation for self-sufficiency, and counseling for the parents, including a focus on their possible histories of neglect and physical and sexual abuse. A relevant case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 1 reference and 2 resources