Ending child homelessness in America

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Policy
• Child Welfare

Background:

• Homelessness affects 1.5 million children annually in the U.S.
• Economic recession and foreclosures exacerbate family homelessness.
• Homeless children face significant risks for poor mental health due to instability and trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the gap in federal policy focusing on homeless adults over families.
• To outline strategies for preventing and ending homelessness for families, youth, and children.
• To describe tools and initiatives supporting homeless children and families.

Main Methods:

• Review of federal policy and interagency collaboration plans.
• Description of general principles for serving homeless families and children.
• Introduction of BSAFE (a promising practice) and the Campaign to End Child Homelessness.

Main Results:

• Federal policy is evolving to include families and children in homelessness eradication efforts.
• BSAFE facilitates access to community services for homeless families.
• The Campaign to End Child Homelessness promotes national, state, and local action.

Conclusions:

• Ending child homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach including policy change and community support.
• Interagency collaboration is crucial for aligning services and achieving policy goals.
• Targeted interventions and campaigns are vital for addressing the needs of homeless families and children.