Mental health problems of homeless children and families: longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective: To establish the mental health needs of homeless children and families before and after rehousing. Design: Cross sectional, longitudinal study. Setting: City of Birmingham. Subjects: 58 rehoused families with 103 children aged 2-16 years and 21 comparison families of low socioeconomic status in stable housing, with 54 children. Main outcome measures: Children's mental health problems and level of communication; mothers' mental health problems and social support one year after rehousing. Results: Mental health problems remained significantly higher in rehoused mothers and their children than in the comparison group (mothers 26% v 5%, P = 0.04; children 39% v 11%, P = 0.0003). Homeless mothers continued to have significantly less social support at follow up. Mothers with a history of abuse and poor social integration were more likely to have children with persistent mental health problems. Conclusions: Homeless families have a high level of complex needs that cannot be met by conventional health services and arrangements. Local strategies for rapid rehousing into permanent accommodation, effective social support and health care for parents and children, and protection from violence and intimidation should be developed and implemented.

Resettlement and reintegration: Single mothers’ reflections after homelessness

“…Previous research regarding the characteristics of homeless families has found a history of adversity (e.g. Bassuk et al, 1997;Bassuk et al, 2001), mental health problems among mothers and children (Vostanis et al, 1998;Anooshian, 2005), and limited access to services (Cumella et al, 1998). Very little attention has been given to the experiences of families following their exit from homelessness.…”

“…The current study focuses on psychosocial issues related to homelessness and resettlement as much previous UK research in this field has concentrated on structural issues such as housing policy (Christian, 2003). Vostanis et al, 1998). The majority of these women conform to Schein's (1982) 'ABC' factors which characterise economically poor single mothers.…”

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

“…These levels of mental ill health have been found significantly higher than matched socioeconomically deprived but housed groups (i.e. living in stability- Connelly & Crown, 1994;Conway, 1988;Vostanis, Grattan, & Cumella 1998;Zima, Wells, Benjamin, & Duan 1996). Toro et al (1995) suggested that psychopathology was both cause and effect of homelessness.…”

Incorporating Multifaceted Mental Health Prevention Services in Community Sectors-of-Care

“…This community sector of care provides an ideal setting in which to embed evidence-based prevention services into an existing service structure. Children who live in supportive housing are at high risk for serious mental health problems and are in need of a continuum of mental health services (Vostanis, Grattan, & Cumella, 1998). Moreover, single-site supportive housing affords a rather unique opportunity to engage families in prevention programming as caregivers and children have easy access to program activities that are delivered in their housing units.…”