Homeless children and families: clinical and research issues

The rapid increase in the number of homeless children and families has focused attention on understanding the health and related needs of this vulnerable group. This paper describes challenges associated with providing health care to homeless children and evaluation of those services. Data are presented from the Nursing Center for the Homeless of the School of Nursing at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Health services provided to homeless children and families (N = 470) documented that more than half (56%) were covered by health insurance and had received age-appropriate preventive health care. Of the children seen, 50% were considered well and 30% were diagnosed as having upper respiratory infections, skin problems, and/or gastrointestinal disorders. Health teaching for parents was the most frequent nursing intervention (50%), while 20% of the children were referred to community agencies. Factors that impede data collection and provision of health services for the homeless population are discussed, including suggestions for treatment and research approaches.