Examining the impact of parental risk on family functioning among homeless and housed families.

Abstract

The present study used data from 132 families that were homeless and a comparison group of 434 housed families in order to compare family functioning across the two groups. Family functioning was assessed by family support workers when the families sought help from one of seven family service agencies in Washington, DC. Multiple regression models showed that there were few differences between homeless and housed families; a difference that did emerge showed that homeless families fared better than housed families in terms of children's developmental stimulation. However, when considering the compounding effects of additional family risk factors, adverse effects of homelessness were observed. As compared with housed families, homeless families with a history of parental mental illness had limited access to support networks and poorer interactions with their children. Poor financial and living conditions were observed among homeless families with histories of substance use. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Improving youth mental health through family-based prevention in family homeless shelters

“…Indeed, homeless families are faced with multiple stressors and vulnerabilities, which are exacerbated by living in a shelter system (Fraenkel et al, 2009; Paquette & Bassuk, 2009; Howard et al, 2009). Consequently, these risks may adversely impact the youth's mental health.…”

“…Homeless families living in the shelter system are at particular risk for disruptive parenting practices and impairments in the parent/child relationship. Evidence suggests the stressors that accompany homelessness interfere with important parenting processes, including monitoring and supervision, provision of support, and discipline (Howard, Cartwright, & Barajas, 2009). Families living in shelters also contend with lack of privacy, relinquishing control to shelter rules and regulations, and concerns that their parenting skills are being assessed by staff, which further impairs parenting and stresses the family unit (Fraenkel, Hameline, & Shannon, 2009; Paquette & Bassuk, 2009; Howard et al, 2009).…”

“…Evidence suggests the stressors that accompany homelessness interfere with important parenting processes, including monitoring and supervision, provision of support, and discipline (Howard, Cartwright, & Barajas, 2009). Families living in shelters also contend with lack of privacy, relinquishing control to shelter rules and regulations, and concerns that their parenting skills are being assessed by staff, which further impairs parenting and stresses the family unit (Fraenkel, Hameline, & Shannon, 2009; Paquette & Bassuk, 2009; Howard et al, 2009). This literature, coupled with the lack of knowledge about the relationship between these processes among homeless families, led to the second aim of the study; to determine whether participation in a family-focused prevention program that aimed to enhance parenting processes and the parent/child relationship would also impact suicidal ideation among these youth.…”

Life Shocks and Homelessness

“…Most studies of family homelessness in particular have focused on families who are currently living in emergency or transitional shelters (Howard et al 2009; Kerker et al 2011; Miller 2011; Swick and Williams 2010;) or who report having lived on the street, in abandoned property, or in a shelter (Coker et al 2009; Fertig and Reingold 2008). …”

Relationships Between Caregiver Violence Exposure, Caregiver Depression, and Youth Behavioral Health Among Homeless Families

“…Homeless parents with mental health diagnoses have poorer interactions with their children than undiagnosed low-income caregivers (Howard, Cartwright, & Barajas, 2009), and mental illness may compromise a caregiver's ability to protect their child from dangers associated with homelessness (Coverdale & Turbott, 2000; Gearon & Bellack, 1999). …”