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Hoffmann A, Little L, Vincent K, Lui K, Pabalan L. Initial characterization of print awareness in unhoused children. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1274777. [PMID: 38415063 PMCID: PMC10897729 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1274777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides an initial understanding of print awareness, a foundational literacy skill, in a group of 12 unhoused children at two shelters in a large urban setting. Children ranged in age from 4;1 to 8;0, representing grades associated with learning to read (i.e., pre-kindergarten to second grade). Findings indicate that the majority of children in this sample were significantly delayed in their acquisition of print awareness skills. Caregivers were surveyed regarding their beliefs about supporting literacy development and what would be beneficial for helping them in this area. Responses indicated that almost all caregivers believed that some literacy development should occur outside of the school setting and that it would be helpful if they (the caregivers) were taught both what skills to teach and how to teach them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hoffmann
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Lauren Little
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kristen Vincent
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Karen Lui
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Laura Pabalan
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
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2
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Lee K, Brown C, Singerhouse E, Martin L, McMorris BJ. School Nurses and Chronic Absenteeism in Schools: A Qualitative Study on Experiences, Perspectives, and Roles. J Sch Nurs 2023:10598405231210959. [PMID: 37960862 DOI: 10.1177/10598405231210959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Regular attendance is integral for students' academic success; it also affects adolescents' physical and mental health. Very few studies consider (a) differences between partial- and full-day absences regarding chronic absenteeism (CA; missing school ≥15 days in an academic year); or (b) roles of school nurses in addressing student absenteeism. This study describes school nurses' perceptions of factors related to CA and differences between partial- and full-day absences by analyzing qualitative data from six focus groups with 21 Midwestern school nurses. Four themes emerged: Absenteeism at the intersection of family and health; Absenteeism at the intersection of family and school; Absenteeism at the intersection of family and ecological systems; and School nurse roles in supporting chronically absent students. Findings highlight the importance of school nurses by describing their role in identifying students who are at risk for CA, allowing for effective assessment and intervention with students before patterns of CA become habitual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knoo Lee
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Camille Brown
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emily Singerhouse
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Singerhouse Research Consulting LLC, Tampa, FL, USA
- Strategic Prevention Solutions, Juneau, AK, USA
| | - Lauren Martin
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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Labella MH, Distefano R, Merrick JS, Ramakrishnan JL, Thibodeau EL, Masten AS. Parental affect profiles predict child emotion regulation and classroom adjustment in families experiencing homelessness. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn H. Labella
- Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota Minnesota USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences William & Mary Williamsburg USA
| | - Rebecca Distefano
- Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota Minnesota USA
- Department of Psychology Roger Williams University Bristol USA
| | - Jillian S. Merrick
- Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota Minnesota USA
- Department of Psychology University of Denver Denver USA
| | | | - Eric L. Thibodeau
- Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota Minnesota USA
| | - Ann S. Masten
- Institute of Child Development University of Minnesota Minnesota USA
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4
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Stargel LE, Easterbrooks MA. Children's early school attendance and stability as a mechanism through which homelessness is associated with academic achievement. J Sch Psychol 2022; 90:19-32. [PMID: 34969485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsp.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Unfortunately, family homelessness is a crisis in the United States. The majority of families experiencing homelessness are headed by single mothers and half of children who experience homelessness are less than five years of age. In the current study, we investigated whether children's school attendance and stability mediated the association between early experiences of homelessness (in infancy and toddlerhood) with children's school performance on standardized assessments of math and English language arts administered in the spring of third grade in a sample of children of young mothers. We used a person-centered analytic technique (i.e., repeated measures latent class analysis) to identify three classes of children's patterns of school attendance and stability from kindergarten through third grade that consisted of (a) High Absenteeism, (b) Decreasing Absenteeism, and (c) Low Absenteeism classes. Early experiences of homelessness were directly and indirectly associated with math, but not English language arts scores, through the three identified classes. The results of the current study have important implications for young children who experience homelessness and suggest promoting school attendance as one avenue to support academic achievement. In addition, supporting families and children early (i.e., before they begin pre-kindergarten) will be key in ensuring that young children who experience homelessness are successful in educational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Stargel
- Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States of America; Tufts Interdisciplinary Evaluation Research (TIER), Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States of America.
| | - M Ann Easterbrooks
- Tufts Interdisciplinary Evaluation Research (TIER), Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States of America
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Lafavor T, Gimbel B, Olsen A, Travis A, Weber R. Relationship of parent-rated and objectively evaluated executive function to symptoms of posttraumatic stress and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in homeless youth. Child Neuropsychol 2021; 28:768-790. [PMID: 34957916 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2021.2016671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Compared to their stably housed peers, homeless, and highly mobile (HHM) youth experience disproportionately greater adversity and risk leading to a wide variety of poor developmental outcomes, and targeted interventions have the potential to mitigate such outcomes. A growing literature highlights the need for accurate diagnosis in high-risk populations given the considerable overlap between posttraumatic symptomology and behaviorally based disorders such as ADHD. Objective testing inferring neurobiological and circuit-based abnormalities in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ADHD may provide a useful clinical tool to aid accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This novel, exploratory study examined the relation between executive function (EF) as measured by objective testing and parent ratings with symptoms of posttraumatic stress and ADHD in 86 children (age 9 to 11) living in emergency homeless shelters. Parent-rated EF problems suggested broad impairment associated with ADHD symptoms but specific impairment in emotional/behavioral function associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms. While measures of inhibition and shifting EF were strongly associated with symptomology in bivariate correlations, they explained minimal variance in regression models. Internalizing behavior problems were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms, while externalizing behavior problems were associated with ADHD symptoms. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Lafavor
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Blake Gimbel
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Aarika Olsen
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Alicia Travis
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Rachel Weber
- The Compass Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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6
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Williams-Arya P, Vaughn LM, Nidey N, Sawyer M, Porter K, Froehlich TE. Striving for Structure and Stability in Cincinnati's Family Homeless Shelters: A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach. FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH 2021; 44:282-291. [PMID: 34269697 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0000000000000305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing homelessness negatively impacts child health, development, and emotional-behavioral functioning, but there is limited knowledge regarding specific service priorities, as articulated by families themselves, to prevent or address these adverse sequelae. Thus, to elicit the service needs perspective of families in shelter and to translate these findings into real-world action, we undertook a community-based participatory research effort using Group-Level Assessment, a focus group methodology. An action-based participatory needs assessment called a Group-Level Assessment (GLA) was conducted in collaboration with parents currently experiencing homelessness. A total of 53 parents from 3 Cincinnati homeless shelters participated by responding to 17 to 20 open-ended prompts regarding their child's medical, developmental, learning, social, and behavioral needs. Using GLA methodology, we found that the needs expressed by families residing in shelters coalesced around the following themes: job and housing stability, education and skill development, emotional support, and improving shelter life. The GLA findings were then shared with shelter and community leaders, leading to a number of policy and practice enhancements in the shelters. This study demonstrates the power of the GLA approach to affect community action as a direct result of priorities generated by families experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Williams-Arya
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio (Drs Williams-Arya and Froehlich); and Divisions of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (Drs Williams-Arya, Nidey, and Froehlich and Mss Sawyer and Porter), Emergency Medicine (Dr Vaughn), and Biostatistics and Epidemiology (Dr Nidey), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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DeCandia CJ, Unick GJ, Volk KT. Validating the Neurodevelopmental Domain of Neurodevelopmental Ecological Screening Tool: An Ecological Screener for Use With 3-5 Year-Old Children Impacted by Poverty and Homelessness. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/07342829211005575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The Neurodevelopmental Ecological Screening Tool (NEST) is a new instrument to screen children for developmental challenges. This article describes the validation of the NEST neurodevelopmental domain. Data were collected from a nationwide purposely restricted sample of caregivers of children aged 3–5 years ( n = 231) living in poverty and experiencing homelessness. We used Rasch-based Rating Scale Models to select items with good fit. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the internal consistency validity of the entire neurodevelopmental domain. Construct validity and dimensional structure were obtained using confirmatory factor analysis. Interclass correlations were used to measure the test–retest reliability of the subdomains. Neurodevelopmental Ecological Screening Tool scores were compared to results on clinician-administered gold standard measures for a subsample ( n = 48). The neurodevelopmental domain score represents a single overarching risk construct with some variance attributable to distinct developmental constructs and validly and reliably identifies a child’s level of developmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George J. Unick
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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DeCandia CJ, Volk KT, Unick GJ, Donegan LRW. Developing a Screening Tool for Young Children Using an Ecological Framework. INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN 2020; 33:237-258. [PMID: 34211253 PMCID: PMC8240794 DOI: 10.1097/iyc.0000000000000173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Young children from impoverished backgrounds experience high levels of family and environmental stress, adversely impacting developmental functioning. Early identification provides a pathway to solutions, but many children are never assessed. In addition, the child-serving workforce lacks resources and expertise to use traditional measures. Furthermore, existing measures do not account for the substantial influence of a child's ecology. To bridge these gaps, we developed the Neurodevelopmental Ecological Screening Tool (NEST) and conducted a pilot study (n=60) to test its feasibility for use with caregivers of children ages 3-5 in low-resource settings. We developed an item pool across three domains (child, caregiver, environment), vetted it with experts, and conducted cognitive interviewing with parents (n=15) and case managers (n-10). Simultaneously, we built an online, user-friendly delivery platform. We used a one parameter Item Response Model and a Rasch-based Rating Scale Model (RSM) and fit confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) models to test for unidimensional and construct validity. The results support the feasibility of screening children from low SES populations within low-resource settings using an ecological perspective and supports the work of child-serving paraprofessionals in identifying and addressing risks in the lives of young children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - George J Unick
- University of Maryland, School of Social Work, Baltimore, MD, USA
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9
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Wright T, Ochrach C, Blaydes M, Fetter A. Pursuing the Promise of Preschool: An Exploratory Investigation of the Perceptions of Parents Experiencing Homelessness. EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL 2020; 49:1021-1030. [PMID: 32989373 PMCID: PMC7513455 DOI: 10.1007/s10643-020-01109-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Rates of homelessness are worsening in the United States, with a third of individuals experiencing homelessness being families with children. These families face many challenges, including limited social supports, insufficient access to services, and mental health concerns. These challenges inform a nuanced worldview, leading parents experiencing homelessness to understand their child's school life in unique ways. The purpose of this study is to explore how parents experiencing homelessness understand their children's participation in Head Start and publicly funded 4 K programs. We utilized semi-structured interviews with parents of 4 K students and applied an iterative approach for analysis to identify emergent themes and concepts. Results suggest families enter homelessness through several avenues and struggle with many aspects of homelessness, including stigma directed at parents and children. Parents identified many strengths in their children's school programs, including education and support from faculty, as well as areas for growth, such as more comprehensive transportation and meal services. Overall, these results suggest families experiencing homelessness encounter many barriers to finding stable housing. Additionally, parents of children experiencing homelessness value their child's education and access to resources in schools while still fearing the potential for their child to experience stigmatization and discrimination in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Wright
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, 335 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Hall, Madison, WI 53706-1326 USA
| | - Chase Ochrach
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, 335 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Hall, Madison, WI 53706-1326 USA
| | - Madison Blaydes
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, 335 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Hall, Madison, WI 53706-1326 USA
| | - Anna Fetter
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, 335 Education Building, 1000 Bascom Hall, Madison, WI 53706-1326 USA
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Gultekin LE, Brush BL, Ginier E, Cordom A, Dowdell EB. Health Risks and Outcomes of Homelessness in School-Age Children and Youth: A Scoping Review of the Literature. J Sch Nurs 2019; 36:10-18. [PMID: 31522583 DOI: 10.1177/1059840519875182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite reports that over 1.3 million school-age children (ages 5-18) were homeless in 2019, little is known about the effects of homelessness on their overall health and well-being. To better understand where gaps exist, a scoping review of the literature was conducted to identify studies of the physical, mental, and behavioral health risks and outcomes of school-age children experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute framework and Preferred Reporting Items (PRISMA) guidelines, seven electronic databases were searched using key words: homelessness, children, health, and well-being. Of the 4,372 records, 23 articles met inclusion criteria. Most examined mental health and high-risk activities or behavioral risks related to school achievement. Few studies tracked the long-term health outcomes of homeless school-age children. Findings have implications for school nurses who have contact with children experiencing homelessness and are in position to intervene to prevent negative health sequelae in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara L Brush
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Emily Ginier
- The Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alexandra Cordom
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Dowdell
- M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
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Fowler PJ, Hovmand PS, Marcal KE, Das S. Solving Homelessness from a Complex Systems Perspective: Insights for Prevention Responses. Annu Rev Public Health 2019; 40:465-486. [PMID: 30601718 PMCID: PMC6445694 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040617-013553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Homelessness represents an enduring public health threat facing communities across the developed world. Children, families, and marginalized adults face life course implications of housing insecurity, while communities struggle to address the extensive array of needs within heterogeneous homeless populations. Trends in homelessness remain stubbornly high despite policy initiatives to end homelessness. A complex systems perspective provides insights into the dynamics underlying coordinated responses to homelessness. A constant demand for housing assistance strains service delivery, while prevention efforts remain inconsistently implemented in most countries. Feedback processes challenge efficient service delivery. A system dynamics model tests assumptions of policy interventions for ending homelessness. Simulations suggest that prevention provides a leverage point within the system; small efficiencies in keeping people housed yield disproportionately large reductions in homelessness. A need exists for policies that ensure reliable delivery of coordinated prevention efforts. A complex systems approach identifies capacities and constraints for sustainably solving homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Fowler
- The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA; , ,
| | - Peter S Hovmand
- The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA; , ,
| | - Katherine E Marcal
- The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA; , ,
| | - Sanmay Das
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, USA;
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12
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Cutuli JJ, Herbers JE. Housing Interventions and the Chronic and Acute Risks of Family Homelessness: Experimental Evidence for Education. Child Dev 2018; 90:1664-1683. [PMID: 29468670 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study considers risk associated with family homelessness for school functioning and experimental evidence on the effects of different housing interventions over time. Students in homeless families (N = 172; Mage = 7.31; SD = 4.15) were randomized to housing interventions that focus on acute risks (community-based rapid rehousing), chronic risks (permanent subsidy), or usual care (UC). A matched group of low-income, housed students served as an additional reference for effects on attendance, school mobility, and reading and math achievement across 4 years. Findings partially support the chronic-risk hypothesis that family homelessness interferes with achievement through its relation to deep poverty. Children randomly assigned to UC perform as well or better than children assigned to housing interventions in this municipality.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Cutuli
- University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.,Rutgers University-Camden
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13
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Deck SM. School outcomes for homeless children: differences among sheltered, doubled-up, and poor, housed children. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/10796126.2016.1247347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stacy M. Deck
- School of Social Work, Spalding University, Louisville, KY, USA
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Gambling in the Landscape of Adversity in Youth: Reflections from Men Who Live with Poverty and Homelessness. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2016; 13:ijerph13090854. [PMID: 27589784 PMCID: PMC5036687 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13090854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Most of the research on gambling behaviour among youth has been quantitative and focused on measuring prevalence. As a result, little is known about the contextual experiences of youth gambling, particularly among those most vulnerable. In this paper, we explore the previous experiences of youth gambling in a sample of adult men experiencing housing instability and problem gambling. We present findings from a qualitative study on problem gambling and housing instability conducted in Toronto, Canada. Thirty men with histories of problem or pathological gambling and housing instability or homelessness were interviewed. Two thirds of these men reported that they began gambling in youth. Five representative cases were selected and the main themes discussed. We found that gambling began in early life while the men, as youth, were also experiencing adversity (e.g., physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse, neglect, housing instability, homelessness, substance addiction and poverty). Men reported they had access to gambling activity through their family and wider networks of school, community and the streets. Gambling provided a way to gain acceptance, escape from emotional pain, and/or earn money. For these men problematic gambling behaviour that began in youth, continued into adulthood.
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Pears KC, Kim HK, Buchanan R, Fisher PA. Adverse Consequences of School Mobility for Children in Foster Care: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. Child Dev 2015; 86:1210-1226. [PMID: 25906815 PMCID: PMC4618793 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Few prospective studies have examined school mobility in children in foster care. This study described the school moves of 86 such children and 55 community comparison children (primarily Caucasian), living in a medium-sized metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest who were approximately 3 to 6 years old at the study start. Additionally, the effects of moves from kindergarten through Grade 2 on academic and socioemotional competence in Grades 3 through 5 were examined. A greater number of early school moves was associated with poorer later socoemotional competence and partially mediated the effects of maltreatment and out-of-home placement on socioemotional competence. This was the case only for children with poorer early learning skills in kindergarten. Implications for preventive intervention are discussed.
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Brumley B, Fantuzzo J, Perlman S, Zager ML. The Unique Relations between Early Homelessness and Educational Well-Being: An Empirical Test of the Continuum of Risk Hypothesis. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2015; 48:31-37. [PMID: 25574064 PMCID: PMC4283848 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the Continuum of Risk Hypothesis by assessing the unique relations between early homelessness and educational outcomes while controlling for co-occurring risks. An integrated data system was used to account for multiple co-occurring early risk factors for an entire cohort of first grade students in a large urban school district and municipality (N = 8,267). Multilevel linear regression models indicated that the presence of some co-occurring risk factors explained the relation between homelessness and academic engagement problems in school. However, after controlling for co-occurring risks, an experience of homelessness was found to be uniquely related to social engagement problems in first grade. These results support the Continuum of Risk Hypothesis and stress the importance of early intervention for children with an experience of homelessness to foster their social development.
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