Interventions to Mitigate the Effects of Housing Insecurity on Child and Adolescent Health: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aimed to map and synthesize the available literature on interventions that mitigate the effects of housing insecurity on the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents (0-18 years), describing their characteristics, levels of action (structural, intermediate, or individual/group), and reported outcomes.

In January 2025, we conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) and 1 gray literature search engine (Carrot2), without time restrictions. 6,002 articles underwent three sequential screening phases. Results were described through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.

Twenty-six studies were included. Public housing, housing vouchers, and subsidies to private housing developers were the most common interventions, targeting structural and intermediate levels. Reported outcomes varied: physical health and healthcare use generally improved, while mental health and educational effects were mixed. Only two studies assessed multi-assistance programs.

Affordability-focused interventions can improve health for children and adolescents, while multi-assistance approaches show promise. Broader welfare policies may also benefit this population. Future research should diversify geographically, use mixed methods, address age-specific outcomes, and examine more decommodifying housing strategies.