Each year, the numbers of homeless children are growing at an alarming rate all around the world. This issue has deeply affected the lives of millions of children nationwide. Poverty and non-affordable housing are the major leading causes of these rates. While homeless, they experience high rates of acute and chronic health problems. The constant worries of not having basic essentials, such as good sleep, hunger, and physical appearance, also have an effect on their education. Many homeless children are then deprived of a stable home, financial stability, and even food each and every day.
According to The United States Conference of Mayors (2009), “Reports that in 2010 more than 1.6 million children (1 in 45 children) in America were homeless and that approximately 650,000 are below age 6” (p. 13). The type of homelessness experienced by children and youth includes lack of affordable housing, economic issues, violence at home, behavioral health issues, or no or very few family members and support. Risk factors include single female-headed households, with limited education and often limited job opportunities. Teen parents who often lack the education and income to support a child are one of the leading causes. Lack of affordable housing, substance abuse, and/or physically violent parents and stepparents are the major drivers of homelessness in children.
Health and Emotional Impact
These children are more likely to suffer behavioral and emotional problems. The stress and instability associated with homelessness can lead to significant psychological distress. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory suggests that basic physiological and safety needs must be met before an individual can focus on higher-level needs such as education and self-actualization. Homeless children, lacking these foundational needs, are often unable to focus on their education or develop a positive self-image.
Because they lack control over their own lives, many are subjected to peer pressures and risky behaviors. They turn to people who relate to them, just to survive and adapt to their situations. By the time they are school-aged, many have already suffered distress and traumatic situations that affect their education. Many of them don’t have reliable transportation, their records tend to be missing or incomplete, or they have been moved from several schools, and this keeps them from thriving in an educational environment.
Educational Challenges
The educational challenges faced by homeless children are profound. Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory highlights the importance of the various systems that influence a child’s development, including the microsystem (family and school), mesosystem (interactions between microsystems), and exosystem (wider community influences). Homelessness disrupts these systems, leading to gaps in education and social support. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was designed to address some of these educational barriers by providing federal funding to support the educational stability and success of homeless children and youth.
Community and Social Support
Because there are limited resources to go around, many communities are taking it upon themselves to help out where they can. Donating time and energy to community functions and giveaways, as well as making small donations to charitable organizations, donating clothes, and non-perishable food items, can significantly impact families in need. Social support and community involvement are crucial for mitigating some of the adverse effects of homelessness. According to Social Capital Theory, social networks and the associated norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness can facilitate cooperation for mutual benefit. Community support initiatives can thus help build social capital, providing homeless children and their families with vital resources and support networks.
Addressing Root Causes
To effectively tackle homelessness, it is essential to address the root causes, namely housing and poverty. Structural-functionalism, a sociological theory, posits that society is a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. From this perspective, homelessness can be seen as a dysfunction in the social system, requiring systemic solutions such as affordable housing policies and poverty alleviation programs. Policies that ensure affordable housing, increase access to education and job training for low-income families, and provide mental health and substance abuse services are critical.
Policy Implications
The role of government policy cannot be overstated in addressing homelessness among children. The Housing First approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals before addressing other issues such as employment or substance abuse, has shown promising results. This approach aligns with Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, which focuses on expanding individuals’ capabilities and opportunities to live the lives they value. By providing stable housing, we can enhance the capabilities of homeless children, allowing them to focus on their education and personal development.
Societal and Economic Impacts
The broader societal and economic impacts of child homelessness are significant. According to Human Capital Theory, investing in the education and well-being of children is crucial for the long-term economic health of a society. Homeless children who receive adequate support are more likely to become productive, contributing members of society. Conversely, the failure to address child homelessness can lead to increased social costs, including higher rates of incarceration, unemployment, and reliance on social welfare programs.
International Perspective
Child homelessness is not just an issue in the United States; it is a global problem. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasizes the right of every child to a standard of living adequate for their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and social development. International efforts to combat child homelessness include initiatives by organizations such as UNICEF and Save the Children, which work to provide housing, education, and healthcare to vulnerable children worldwide.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homelessness among children is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. By understanding the underlying causes and the profound impacts on health, emotional well-being, and education, we can develop effective strategies to support homeless children and their families. Community involvement, social support, and robust policy interventions are critical in addressing this growing crisis. Addressing homelessness at its root through affordable housing and poverty reduction measures will create a more stable and supportive environment for children to thrive and achieve their full potential.
Future Directions
Future research should focus on longitudinal studies that track the long-term outcomes of homeless children who receive various forms of intervention. Additionally, policymakers should prioritize funding for programs that have demonstrated success in reducing child homelessness and improving educational and health outcomes. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses both the immediate needs and the underlying causes of homelessness, we can create a society where every child has the opportunity to succeed.