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Psychosocial functioning of homeless children
P Vostanis1, E Grattan, S Cumella
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Birmingham, U.K. DEPARTMENT-OF-PSYCHIATRY@bham.ac.uk
Summary
Homeless mothers and children experience significant psychosocial distress and developmental challenges. Addressing their complex needs requires integrated health, social, and educational support services.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Child Psychology
- Social Work
Background:
- Homelessness disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including families with children.
- Understanding the psychosocial impact on homeless families is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychosocial characteristics of homeless children and their parents.
- To compare psychosocial indicators between homeless and housed families.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 113 homeless families and 29 matched housed families within two weeks of hostel admission.
- Utilized semistructured interviews, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and other standardized measures.
- Included assessment of children's communication skills and physical growth (height/weight percentiles).
Main Results:
- Homeless families often headed by single mothers, with domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness.
- Homeless mothers reported higher rates of past abuse, current psychiatric issues (49% GHQ caseness), and weaker social support.
- Homeless children showed increased risk factors (abuse history, child protection register) and developmental delays (communication, higher CBCL scores).
Conclusions:
- Homeless mothers and children exhibit high levels of psychosocial morbidity linked to multiple adversities.
- Maternal mental health (GHQ scores) significantly predicted child behavioral problems (CBCL caseness).
- Specialized, coordinated health, social, and educational services are essential for addressing the complex needs of homeless families.