Description
Book SynopsisAn increasing number of families are becoming homeless, often as a result of domestic violence, which leaves women and their school age children without homes. This multidisciplinary volume is the first to look at the variety of problems encountered by this group and to propose strategies for managing those problems. The contributors to this book provide evidence that homeless children often have more acute problems and needs than other children; as a result of the insecurity of their situation, they may experience physical health problems and developmental delay. They are also at high risk of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as sleep disturbance, eating problems, aggression, over-activity, anxiety, depression and self-harm. At the same time, due to their unstable situation, they are less able to access support from the health, education and social services.
Homeless Children defines the specific problems and needs of homeless children, and draws up practical guidelines for staff and agencies on recognising and dealing with those problems. It then looks at policy and service development for homeless families in education, health and social care, and concludes that conventional methods of provision have to be adapted to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable group.
Trade ReviewThis is a well-organized book and a worthwhile read for those working in this area. The focus on children and families is important, as is the multidisciplinary approach. Examples of programs that are working in other countries would have made this book richer. The recommendations do not provide the reader with a clear model for successful service delivery or policy development. What does emerge is the realization that conventional methods of service providers must be more flexible if they are to meet the specific needs of this vulnerable and marginalized group. -- CASW Bulletin
Table of Contents1. Introduction, Stuart Cumella and Panos Vostanis, University of Birmingham. 2. Homeless Families, Stuart Cumella. 3. Health Problems and Homeless Children, Kath Hutchinson, Health Visitors Association. 4. Child Mental Health Problems, Panos Vostanis. 5. Parenting Issues in Homeless Families, Jacqueline Barnes, Tavistock Clinic and Royal Free Medical School. 6. Homeless Children and Domestic Violence, Gill Hague and Ellen Malos, University of Bristol. 7. Homeless Adolescents, Robert Wrate and Caroline Blair, Young People's Unit, Edinburgh. 8. Effects of Changes in Housing Legislation, Pat Niner, Centre for Urban and Regional Studies, University of Birmingham. 9. The Impact of Health and Social Services, Stuart Cumella. 10. Homeless Children: Public Health Perspectives, Christine R. Victor, Public Health Research Unit, Brighton. 11. Doubly Disadvantaged: Education and the Homeless Child, Sally Power, University of Bristol, Geoff Whitty and Deborah Youdell, Institute of Education, University of London. 12. Access to Voluntary Sector Agencies, Leila Baker, Shelter. 13. Family Homelessness in the USA, John C. Buckner and Ellen L. Bassuk. 14. Responding to Family Homelessness, Stuart Cumella and Panos Vostanis.
