A family support service for homeless children and parents: users' perspectives and characteristics

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to establish the psychosocial characteristics and perspectives of 49 consecutive homeless families who received input from a new designated family support worker (FSW) post at a large statutory hostel for homeless parents and children. The FSW provided: assessment of social, educational and health needs; support and parent training; and liaison with and referral to specialist services. Measures included quantitative questionnaires (i.e. the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Parenting Daily Hassles Scale, the Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory, and the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents), and a qualitative (semistructured) interview on service experiences and satisfaction. The psychosocial measures indicated high rates of parenting difficulties, mental health and related needs among children and their parents. Parenting difficulties were associated with child behaviour problems. Parents expressed satisfaction with the service whilst they were residents at the hostel, but they were often not clear about the objectives of agencies and interventions. Family support interventions have a key role in service provision for homeless and other vulnerable families by providing direct parenting interventions and ensuring that specialist agencies are appropriately involved. Family support worker involvement needs to continue when families are re-housed in the community.

“It's a Struggle but I Can Do It. I'm Doing It for Me and My Kids”: The Psychosocial Characteristics and Life Experiences of At‐Risk Homeless Parents in Transitional Housing

“…Parents in this study reported levels of depressive symptoms approaching clinical significance and parenting stress in the clinical range. These findings align with prior research demonstrating elevated levels of parent distress among homeless and formerly homeless families (e.g., Coker et al., ; Conrad, ; Gewirtz et al., ; Tischler, Karim, Rustall, Gregory, & Vostanis, ). In their current living situation, parents often felt scrutinized, restrained by the rules and living constraints of the transitional housing context, and distressed by some behaviors of others at the housing community.…”

Comparisons of Prevention Programs for Homeless Youth

“…Engagement is difficult, but if parents are involved, recruitment of youth is relatively easy. However, by adolescence, parents have often “given up” on difficult youth (Tischler et al 2004). …”

Homeless mothers: is there a relationship between coping strategies, mental health and goal achievement?

“…Although not the focus of this study, this group is at high risk of disengagement from social networks and services, thus eroding resources that aid longterm adaptation. This population requires a coordinated and intensive response from health and social agencies to help families adapt and reintegrate into the community (Niner, 1999;Tischler, Karim, Rustall, & Vostanis 2004;Vostanis, 1999).…”