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Understanding the ecology and development of children and families experiencing homelessness: implications for
Ryan P Kilmer1, James R Cook, Cindy Crusto
1Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28223, USA. rpkilmer@uncc.edu.
Insights
Homelessness profoundly impacts children and families, necessitating comprehensive interventions. Services must address the diverse ecological factors influencing child development and well-being for positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Family Studies
- Social Work
Background:
- Homelessness presents multifaceted risks for children, including poverty and family violence.
- Existing interventions may not adequately address the complex needs of homeless children and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the need for comprehensive services for children and families experiencing homelessness.
- To highlight the importance of considering the ecological factors affecting child well-being and development.
Main Methods:
- This study is a conceptual review and synthesis of existing literature.
- It focuses on the ecological systems theory to understand influences on child development.
Main Results:
- Child functioning and development are significantly affected by homelessness.
- A comprehensive, family-centered approach is crucial for effective support.
Conclusions:
- Service systems must adopt a holistic, ecological perspective to support homeless children and families.
- Interventions should address the diverse factors impacting adjustment trajectories at home, school, and in peer interactions.
Abstract:
The experience of homelessness can pervade multiple levels and facets of a child and family's world. In view of the historical risks in the lives of children who are experiencing homelessness (e.g., growing up under conditions of poverty, exposure to family violence), it is clear that interventions, services, and supports need to be equally comprehensive to have a positive influence on child functioning and development. Consequently, service systems, providers, and community supports need to address the circumstances of children and families experiencing homelessness and, more specifically, better attend to their ecologies and the diverse factors that can affect their well-being and adjustment trajectories. Such an approach is needed to better understand the range of factors and influences on the development and adaptation of these youngsters at home, at school, and with their peers as well as to guide the identification and implementation of adequate family-centered services and supports.
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