Mothers' Perceptions of Factors Influencing The Restabilization of Homeless Families (original) (raw)

The Process of Restabilization for Mother-Headed Homeless Families: How Social Workers Can Help

Journal of Family Social Work, 1997

Homelessness became recognized as a major social problem during the 1980s, a decade in which members of homeless families came to constitute as much as 37% of the homeless population (Burt & Cohen, 1989; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1989). Reyes and Waxman (1989) estimated that 80% of all homeless families are headed by single parents, primarily women. Similarly, Burt and Cohen (1989) found only 1% of homeless households to be comprised of men with children, and they reported no two-parent homeless families. Members of mother-headed families currently comprise approximately one-third of the total homeless population. According to Mihaly (1991), "it is agreed widely that families with children currently make up the fastest growing segment of the homeless population" (p. 16). Research has focused on how families become homeless (e.g.

A framework for developing supports and services for families experiencing homelessness

The Open Health Services and Policy Journal

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the need for supports and services for families who are experiencing homelessness and to propose a framework for developing them based on families' needs over time. The authors propose a three-tier framework for understanding the needs of homeless families. Tier 1 includes short-term basic needs such as affordable housing, child care, transportation, health care; Tier 2 includes ongoing supports such as education and job opportunities, trauma and mental health services, and family supports; and Tier 3 includes lifelong supports related to chronic medical, mental health, or substance use issues. The authors also review recent service trends and emerging evidence for service needs for homeless families.

“Please Ask Me How I Am”: Experiences of Family Homelessness in the Context of Single Mothers' Lives

Journal of Social Distress and …, 2000

An increasing number of studies in recent years have examined the issue of family homelessness. The majority of this research has taken a quantitative approach, focusing primarily upon the demographics and characteristics of homeless mothers and children and the conditions of shelter facilities. The goal of this study was to examine the experience of family homelessness from an alternative perspective through interviews with formerly homeless mothers about their lives before and after leaving the shelter system. In-depth interviews with 24 formerly homeless single mothers in New York City were conducted and subsequently analyzed employing a qualitative-narrative approach. Major themes that emerged from the women's life stories are elucidated: poverty, neglect, abuse, troubled interpersonal relationships, and mental health concerns. Surprisingly, a majority of women spoke of their experience in the shelter system in positive terms. This and other findings are discussed in the context of the women's life experiences and support services provided by the New York City shelter system. Social policy issues and recommendations for future research and program development are presented.

Homeless women and their families: Characteristics, life circumstances, and needs

Journal of Child and Family Studies, 1992

This study investigated the needs of a sample of 100 women from shelters for the homeless in Richmond, Virginia. The women's responses to a ll7-item interview were used to obtain information regarding their domicilary status, work history, educational background, family and health history, social support, reasons for homelessness, and social service needs. The results indicated that a significant number of the women had moved as many as six times within the past five years for various reasons, including domestic violence, interpersonal conflict, overcrowding, and eviction. Many women were high school graduates and had job skills in the health care, educational, and clerical fields. Most women were raised by their natural or extended family and the majorify of them had a friend or family member who provided social support. Identified needs included housing, food, clothing, and transportation. The needs of homeless women and their children were different from the needs of the homeless chronically mentally ill and require specialized services as well as an increase in the available number of Jow-income housing units.

Parenting and homelessness: Overview and introduction to the special section

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2009

This overview of parenting and homelessness includes the characteristics and needs of families who are homeless, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by mothers, fathers, and children. In addition, the authors discuss how homeless families are narrowly defined based on the family members who present at shelters and other service programs. In order to fully support parents and their children as they exit homelessness, homeless service programs should consider the broader context of the nontraditional family system and support networks. The overview also includes common challenges to parenting while homeless, a summary of the articles in the Special Section, and recommendations for research, practice, and policy.

Highlighting the importance of researching family homelessness

2013

The impacts of homelessness on children can be devastating; the American Academy of Pediatrics (2001) considers homelessness an issue with which pediatricians should be concerned. Unfortunately, homeless children in families comprise the fastest-growing group of homeless persons in the United States. Our article reviews existing literature to provide a background for researchers, policymakers, and social service providers hoping to understand the phenomenon of child and family homelessness and various strategies used to address it. We end with a platform of policies and other action steps for addressing the problems of homelessness for children and their families, with special attention to those that empower homeless families. Poverty policy, affordable housing, and social services all stand to benefit homeless children. We give special attention also to the ways in which schools can support these vulnerable students, including raising practitioner awareness of the challenges they face, creating a safe emotional environment, and providing support for homeless parents. We conclude that schools and social service providers have a crucial role to play in supporting young people experiencing homelessness. KEY TAKEAWAY POINTS • Family homelessness is on the rise. • Homelessness brings challenges to physical and mental health, development, and academic achievement. • Schools and social service providers can make a different in the lives of homeless students by helping them gain access to services, providing safe and supportive spaces, and empowering their parents.

Parenting in homeless families: The double crisis

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 1993

The same factors that impede a mother's ability to maintain a stable residence are likely to impair her capacity to nurture children. This double crisis of homelessness and child rearing confronts caregivers with a special set of ethical and practical dilemmas. Psychosocial characteristics of homeless mothers and children are reviewed, and the need to support these mothers is underscored.