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Susan Barrow, PhD, Epidemiology of Mental Disorders Research Department, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Box 102, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, 212-740-5904, barrows@pi.cpmc.columbia.edu and Terese Lawinski, MA, Social Sciences and Epidemiology, Nathan Kiline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962.
This paper examines the circumstances of separation and reunification in homeless families headed by mothers with mental illness and/or substance abuse. Homeless families have been shown to be at higher risk of mother-child separation than other poor families, though there is only limited research on how and why separations in these families occur, and the role of mental illness and substance abuse remains unclear. As part of an experimental study testing a mental health and housing “Critical Time Intervention” adapted for homeless families headed by mothers with mental illness and/or substance abuse, we have conducted in-depth ethnographic interviews on the circumstances of separation and reunification with sixty mothers in homeless families with past or present separations from at least one child. We present data describing the range of circumstances that produce separation and reunification; the timing of separations in relation to housing problems and homelessness, psychiatric hospitalizations, substance abuse treatment; and the role of mothers, children, extended family networks, and child welfare agencies in decisions about separation and reunification. We also report on changes in family composition for those in the experimental (designed to provide rapid rehousing and build support systems) and control interventions (extensive services provided in the shelter context to prepare for community housing), and consider the implications of these approaches for family composition.
Learning Objectives: After attending this presentation, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Homelessness, Mental Health Services
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.