Debra M. Hernandez Jozefowicz-Simbeni, MSW, PhD¹, Bart W. Miles, PhD¹, and Nathaniel Israel, MA². (1) School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 4756 Cass, Thompson Home, Room 314, Detroit, MI 48202, (313)577-2262, debj-s@wayne.edu, (2) Psychology, Wayne State University, 71 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48201

Homeless children face many obstacles for healthy outcomes, including academic success. Academic success can be compromised by lack of transportation, residency restrictions, high mobility, and lack of resources. Homeless students are at an elevated risk for high school dropout, repeating a grade, poor achievement test scores, and school behavior problems. Programs designed to serve this population work along a continuum of care, from assisting families in meeting transportation needs for school-aged children to intensive services afforded by full-time social workers working specifically with children in homeless shelters. The present study identifies elementary school students who are currently homeless and attending school in an urban metropolitan school district. Trained researchers conducted focus groups & interviews with homeless parents and children assessing: the nature of help provided by the schools, how school services have impacted children and parents, services parents and children would like to receive, and how children navigate the issue of homelessness when talking to and interacting with peers. Additionally, focus groups & interviews were conducted with school social workers, teachers, and administrators identifying themes in the following areas: perception of educational needs, strengths, and systems issues facing homeless youth. The authors discuss the commonalities and differences in the responses of the youth, parents, social workers, and school staff in addressing the needs of homeless students. Results reveal that homeless students and families have unique educational, mental health, and practical needs that deserve attention in multiple service delivery sectors. The implications of these findings for policy and intervention are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• participants will learn about the unique needs of homeless students and families in educational, health, public health and mental health settings
• participants will identify at a minimum 3 goals or objectives in better meeting the needs of homeless children and families
• participants will be encouraged to identify at least one public health and policy issue that can positively impact homeless students and families

Keywords: Homelessness, School-Based Programs

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.