Resources

• Commentary: A Consumer Perspective on Parenting While Homeless
  The author describes her experiences of domestic violence, homelessness, and the services and programs she was forced to rely upon. Now a graduate with a Human Service degree, her plan is to work to change policies related to homelessness. She wants to help prevent senseless family homelessness, especially when prevention is possible and much less costly. The author describes changes that could be made to benefit homeless service programs. (2009)
  
  
• Commentary: A Provider Perspective on Supporting Parents Who Are Homeless
  In this article, the author shares her experience with two families her team met at emergency shelters, one several years ago, and one recently. She suggests that interventions for families should include models focused on building enduring, loving relationships, and lists goals that housing and homelessness programs should strive to meet. (2009)
  
  
• Conducting Filial Therapy With Homeless Parents
  This article's purpose is to educate clinicians about the psychological complexities of homelessness with parents and their children and highlight the benefits of using filial therapy as an evidence-based intervention with this population. (2009)
  
  
• Effects of Social Support and Conflict on Parenting Among Homeless Mothers
  This study examined the impact of conflict and social support on parenting behaviors in a sample of mothers who are homeless and were involved in a study of case management interventions of varying intensity. (2009)
  
  
• Examining the Impact of Parental Risk on Family Functioning Among Homeless and Housed Families
  The present study used data from 132 families that were homeless and a comparison group of 434 housed families in order to compare family functioning across the two groups. (2009)
  
  
• Parenting and Homelessness: Overview and Introduction to the Special Section
  This overview of parenting and homelessness includes the characteristics and needs of families who are homeless, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by mothers, fathers, and children. In addition, the authors discuss how homeless families are narrowly defined based on the family members who present at shelters and other service programs. In order to fully support parents and their children as they exit homelessness, homeless service programs should consider the broader context of the nontraditional family system and support networks. The overview also includes common challenges to parenting while homeless, a summary of the articles in the Special Section, and recommendations for research, practice, and policy. (2009)
  
  
• Parenting, Parental Mental Health, and Child Functioning in Families Residing in Supportive Housing
  Long-term homelessness is associated with other psychosocial risk factors (e.g., adult mental illness, substance abuse, and exposure to violence). All of these factors are associated with impairments in parenting effectiveness and child adjustment. Data are reported from a multi-method study of 200 children in 127 families residing in supportive housing agencies in a large metro area. (2009)
  
  
• What Research Tells Us About the Intersecting Streams of Homelessness and Foster Care
  This paper reviews mounting evidence linking foster care and homelessness and considers new approaches for intervention. (2009)
  
  
• Best Practices in Homeless Education: School Selection for Students in Out-of-Home Care
  This brief provides a framework for local homeless education liaisons, educators, child welfare caseworkers, and other child welfare advocates for assessing best interest when selecting a school for students in out-of-home care. While the brief focuses on students "awaiting foster care placement" under the McKinney-Vento Act, it provides information relevant to school selection and school stability for all children and youth in out-of-home care. (2009)
  
  
• Strengthening At Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children: Evaluation Report. Year 1 2007 – 2008
  The evaluation of the Strengthening At-Risk and Homeless Young Mothers and Children initiative includes three components: an outcome evaluation to examine client well-being, a process evaluation to document implementation of the project, and a cost study. (2009)
  
  
• Homeless Children and Youth: Causes and Consequences
  The number of homeless families with children and unaccompanied youth has increased in recent years due to the lack of the affordable housing, and compounded by the current economic recession. What are the consequences? What has to be done for better outcomes of children and youth who experience homelessness?

Websites

• Homelessness Resource Center
  The Homelessness Resource Center (HRC) is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The National Center on Family Homelessness collaborates with its sister organization, the Center for Social Innovation, to operate the HRC. 
  
  
• The National Center on Family Homelessness
  The National Center on Family Homelessness conducts research, identifies and disseminates best practices and innovative solutions, and raises public awareness about the unique needs of homeless families. Their initiatives include: public education and policy, program design, training and technical assistance and research and evaluation.
  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
Last updated 12/2/09