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Debra M. Hernandez Jozefowicz-Simbeni, MSW, PhD, School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 4756 Cass, Thompson Home, Room 314, Detroit, MI 48202, (313)577-2262, debj-s@wayne.edu, Nathaniel Israel, MA, Psychology, Wayne State University, 71 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48201, and Leena Hadied, Department of Psychology, University of Michigan - Dearborn, 71 W. Warren, Detroit, MI 48201.
Children in families experiencing homelessness face many barriers, including mental health issues and educational constraints. Present federal policy is designed to prevent the exclusion of homeless students from schools, and meet their needs in order to enhance their academic success and life outcomes. This study presents the results of a program designed to meet the needs of homeless students and families in an urban, high poverty setting. As a part of the present study, trained interviewers assessed recent family moves, maternal psychological distress, reports of educational needs, maternal and child report of psychopathology, child strengths and struggles, and family mental health service use through open-ended and closed-ended responses. The sample was drawn from shelters serving families in a large, urban, Midwestern city. Fifty mothers and their children were interviewed. Participants primarily identified as African American (90%). Children in the present study were between the ages of six and twelve years of age. Forty-six percent of the children in this sample scored in the clinical range (> the 98th percentile) across more than one subscale of the Achenbach Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). Twenty percent of the children received scores in the clinical range on four or more subscales. Themes in the open-ended questions revealed significant strengths and concerns about homeless children and the needs of homeless students and their parents, including the need for educational, practical, and other support services. Implications for intervention and further research are discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Children and Adolescents, Homeless
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.