This paper presents findings of an ongoing developmental screening of children residing in six temporary shelters for homeless women with children (Shelter Group, n=80) and children whose mothers are TANF recipients participating in two outpatient substance abuse treatment programs (Substance Abuse Treatment Group, n=45). The screening uses the Denver Developmental Screening Test, a well-established instrument for children younger than six. Overall scores are divided into three categories: normal, suspect, and untestable. Preliminary findings showed that, compared with children in the Shelter group, a significantly greater proportion of children in the Substance Abuse Treatment Group scored in the suspect category (36.3% versus 66.7%, respectively; p < 0.01). The potential for successful short-term intervention was examined by retesting 36 children in the Shelter Group and 22 in the Substance Abuse Treatment Group after approximately four weeks. Six children in the Shelter Group (16.7%) and two in the Substance Abuse Treatment Group (9.1 %) showed improvement, i.e., their scores changed from suspect to normal. These findings point to the devastating effects of poverty and homelessness as well as the additional burden of factors associated with maternal substance abuse. They also highlight the importance of substance abuse treatment and prevention for the well being of mothers and their children. Additional data, collection of which is currently underway, will allow detailed examination of factors associated with developmental delays and their reversibility among both groups of children, including specific circumstances of homelessness as well as parental substance abuse, foster care placement, family disruption and domestic violence.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe factors associated with development delays and their reversibility among homeless children and children of mothers in substance abuse treatment programs
Keywords: Children, Homeless
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.