Young children are particularly vulnerable to experiencing negative consequences from homelessness. For example, young children who experience homelessness are at a higher risk of developing social-emotional and learning delays compared to their peers who are not homeless.1 Additionally, homelessness during pregnancy is correlated with low birth weight, as well as developmental and physical health issues in children.2
According to a policy statement released by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Education (ED), children less than one year-old are more likely to access shelter due to homelessness than any other age group, followed by children between ages one and five.3 More than 50% of children in shelters are age five and younger.4 Homelessness also affects underserved racial groups, families affected by trauma, and young parents at disproportionate rates.5
These issues underscore the need for a multi-pronged approach that includes collaboration and coordination across service delivery systems. Early childhood providers and staff at the federal, state, and community levels are in a position to make a difference in reducing child homelessness and improving outcomes for children and families. In particular, the policy statement recommends strengthening the partnerships between housing and early childhood programs and better integrating the two systems in order to more effectively meet the needs of families and children experiencing homelessness.6 Project LAUNCH is one example of a mechanism that enhances coordination across child-serving systems and helps bring attention to the social and emotional needs of young children.
A selection of resources that aim to help educators, service providers, families, and policymakers address the needs of children and families experiencing homelessness is provided below:
- Policy Statement on Meeting the Needs of Families with Young Children Experiencing and At Risk of Homelessness
HHS, HUD, ED
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ecd/echomelessnesspolicystatement.pdf
Highlights research on the effects of homelessness on young children, and identifies recommendations for providers and policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to better meet the needs of children and families experiencing homelessness.
- Early Childhood Homelessness in the United States: 50-State Profile
Administration for Children and Families
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ecd/homelessness_profile_package_with_blanks_for_printing_508.pdf
Presents statistical data on young child homelessness at the national and state levels
- Resources for Young Parents & Children Experiencing Homelessness
youth.gov
http://youth.gov/youth-topics/runaway-and-homeless-youth/resources-young...
Provides a database of federally-funded or federally-developed resources focused on children and families, searchable by topic, audience, and type of resource.
Updated: January 9, 2017
[1] Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network, 2009.
[2] Health Care for the Homeless Clinicians’ Network, 2009.
[3] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, 2016.
[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, 2016.
[5] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, 2016.
[6] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education, 2016.
Framework:
Non-Framework/Trending Topics
Topics:
Early Childhood Homelessness