NCJ Number
141207
Journal
Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: special issue (December 1992) Pages: 89-112
Date Published
1992
Length
14 pages
Annotation
A survey conducted in 1989 of staff at 25 shelters in the San Francisco area serving homeless women and their children, and follow-up interviews conducted in 1991, described shelter life and the effects of homelessness on the mothers and children.
Abstract
The authors are quick to note that shelters for battered women are essential in providing a transition from violent domestic environments. In addition to immediate housing, the shelters can offer women short-term counseling and a support system, parenting skills instruction, help with the care of their children, a cooperative environment, and the incentive to look for housing and jobs. The children of these women benefited from the discipline imposed by shelter staff as well as the social interaction with peers. However, the findings also showed that shelter life often exacerbated the emotional problems of mothers and children caused by family violence, substance abuse, and poverty conditions. The staff attributed most of the children's problems to depression and being confused, withdrawn, and insecure. The school situation for these children was another major problem, as were the lack of privacy, overcrowding, and limited play space in the shelter. The authors contend that there must be quick movement of women and their children out of the shelters to permanent or transitional housing, as well as movement from crisis counseling to long term social service assistance. 1 table, 84 references, and 1 appendix