Homeless Mothers With Young Children

Homeless Mothers with Young Children

A growing subgroup of the total homeless population are single parent, femaleheaded families. These families are thought to make up as much as 75% of the total homeless population in some metropolitan areas.

Dail, 1990

Homeless Mothers with Young Children

Information about the Mother

Tend to congregate in in urban settings. 50% of the women heading homeless families are between the ages of 17 and 25. Almost equal among racial lines. Fewer than 10% are married 90% will become welfare-dependent (Aids to Families with Dependent Children) as a result of losing their place of residence.

Dail, 1990

Information about the mothers continue

Distrustful of others and reluctant to make friends. Feel closest to one of their children ( usually the oldest one. 25% report having had contact with the mental health system. 20% ongoing physical illness.
Dail, 1990

Information about the mothers continue

A little over 50% have graduated from high school. 20% report some college-level educational attainment. Employment history is sporadic. 75 % Report having been employed at some point. Lack family, social or emotional support.
Dail, 1990

The Children

Information about the Children (These are not exhaustive)

Approximately 50% are less than five years of age. Approximately 13% of the 50% are infants 12% are between 12 and 17 years old. Tendency toward low birth weight. Problems related to drugs incurred during the pregnancy. Physical, emotional and psychological development issues.

And many more

Dail, 1990

Homeless Mothers with Young Children

Reasons for Becoming Homeless

Relationship issues, mainly domestic violence. Evictions or loss of employment, however it is usually precipitated by a series of conditions. Major disruptions early in their original family life (violence, absent parent, parental death, mental illness, etc.) that diminished the childhood experience and contributes to a lifestyle in which social isolation is common and extending family support is lacking. The needed interpersonal skills to function well in social settings were never developed.

Dail, 1990

Reasons for Becoming Homeless continue

Mental Health and drug abuse A pattern of housing mobility or the tendency to move from place to place because of some combination of personal crisis, eviction job loss, uninhabitable dwellings.

Dail, 1990

Homeless Mothers with Young Children

Homelessness presents some problems that are unique and among the most difficult to overcome.

Homeless mothers with Young Children

Many mothers have never established themselves as functional, self sufficient, autonomous adults, due in part to having been socialized in a cycle of poverty themselves.

Homeless mothers with Young Children

Most have a long history of interpersonal and economic problems as well as distinct patterns of residential instability.

How Can We Help

Health Care
18-24 year olds are more likely than any other group to be uninsured. Due to a lack of prevention and early intervention, they often have more advance illness, whether medical or psychosocial, making it more difficult and expensive to treat. The culture of this population can also be an access barrier, finding it difficult to trust adults including health care providers.
Ammerman, Ensign, Kirzner , Meininger, Tornabene, Warf, Zerger, Post, 2004.

Education and Employment

Education is the primary method individuals can build skills and credentials they need to become successful contributing adults in the workplace.

Ammerman, Ensign, Kirzner , Meininger, Tornabene, Warf, Zerger, Post, 2004.

Housing
More affordable housing young adults face special barriers obtaining and maintaining residential stability, especially those who lack the support of family for whatever reason.

Ammerman, Ensign, Kirzner , Meininger, Tornabene, Warf, Zerger, Post, 2004.

Social Support
When faced with a crisis, many adults have a welldeveloped network of family and friends who can offer a short-term place to stay, food or even financial support; however, this population does not have that option.

Ammerman, Ensign, Kirzner , Meininger, Tornabene, Warf, Zerger, Post, 2004.

References
Ammerman SD, Ensign J, Kirzner R, Meininger ET, Tornabene M, Warf CW, Zerger S, Post P. Homeless Young Adults Ages 18 24: Examining Service Delivery Adaptations, 50 pages. Nashville: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc., 2004. National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Inc. P.O. Dail, P. W. (1990). The Psychosocial Context of Homeless Mothers with Young Children: Program and Policy Implications. (Cover story). Child Welfare, 69(4), 291-308. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.