Twenty-five years of child and family homelessness: where are we now?

Am J Public Health. 2013 Dec;103 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):e1-10. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301618. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

Abstract

Family homelessness emerged as a major social and public health problem in the United States during the 1980s. We reviewed the literature, including journal articles, news stories, and government reports, that described conditions associated with family homelessness, the scope of the problem, and the health and mental health of homeless children and families. Much of this literature was published during the 1980s and 1990s. This raises questions about its continued applicability for the public health community. We concluded that descriptions of the economic conditions and public policies associated with family homelessness are still relevant; however, the homeless family population has changed over time. Family homelessness has become more prevalent and pervasive among poor and low-income families. We provide public health recommendations for these homeless families.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Diet
  • Family*
  • Health Status*
  • Homeless Youth / psychology
  • Homeless Youth / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Ill-Housed Persons / psychology
  • Ill-Housed Persons / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mental Health*
  • Poverty / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health*
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Vulnerable Populations / statistics & numerical data