Design challenges for a videoconference on homelessness included overcoming misconceptions about rural homelessness and ensuring meaningful follow-up. Challenges were met by providing guidelines for site facilitators, conducting preconference activities, including interviews with rural homeless people, and facilitating postconference coalition…

To reach out to homeless and castoff children, educators must understand how street life affects youngsters' classroom behavior and learning ability. Many homeless and runaway youth come from backgrounds that include unstable families, early deprivation, and abuse. Tips for overcoming barriers to educating such children are outlined, along with…

Needs for help reported by 1,260 homeless men and women in New York (New York) were studied through interviews. Fundamental survival demands were most frequently cited by men and women, with gender differences most apparent in areas in which gender differences have been identified in the general population. (SLD)

Survey data collected from 166 homeless persons in Austin (Texas) identified four clusters distinguished by the size of the individual's social network, the degree of dysfunction, and the length of time homeless. Recommends group-based plans for building better paths out of homelessness. (DM)

Determined drug use and abuse patterns of homeless/runaway youths (n=253) and compared them to similar data collected from adolescents in school. Comparisons showed that drug use and abuse was two to three times more prevalent for runaways than for school youths. Runaways' attitudes toward selected illicit behaviors were more tolerant than those…

Compared the health of a group of 5-year olds who had experienced homelessness in their first five years with that of children who had never been homeless. Compared to control children, the case subjects showed a statistically greater prevalence of child protection issues and increased number of health needs. (Author/LPP)

Students in a nutrition course (n=34) participated in a service-learning project in community food banks serving homeless people. Pre- and posttest data showed an increase in their concern, activism, and attitudes related to world hunger and homelessness. (SK)

Data were analyzed regarding the occupational performance of 25 persons at a homeless shelter. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was useful for assessing the occupational performance needs of this population but should be augmented by inquiry about environmental concerns, relationships housing, and spirituality. (Author/JOW)

Study examines the relationship between social support and the ability of Brazilian adolescents to adapt to life on the streets. Findings indicate that neither quality nor quantity of social support was related to adaptation. Discusses the implication of these findings with regard to the resiliency of street children. (Contains 20 references.)…

A study involving 18 emergency homeless shelters in Los Angeles screened 169 homeless children (ages 6-12) for behavior disorders, learning disabilities, or mental retardation. Results found almost one half of sheltered homeless children screened positive for at least one disability requiring special education services, with behavior disorders…

Studies sheltered homeless and low-income housed families to examine predictors of academic achievement, focusing on housing status, mobility, and race/ethnicity. Results reveal that housing status was not associated with academic achievement. Discusses how homeless and housed children had comparable rates of absenteeism and other school-related…

Discusses the Home, Education, Readiness, and Opportunity (HERO) program developed in 1993 to address the educational needs faced by homeless school-age children. This article argues that educational services must be accompanied by psychological supports and that these are best served by school social workers. (Author/MKA)

Investigates the effects of early sexual abuse on later sexual victimization among female homeless, runaway adolescents. Results indicate that early sexual abuse in the home had a positive direct effect on sexual victimization of adolescents on the street. The social context of street life puts these adolescents in close proximity to potential…

Compared family environments for probability sample of 118 homeless adolescents residing in shelters to matched comparison group of 118 housed adolescents. Found that, after controlling for behavior-disorder effects and alcohol abuse, homeless adolescents experienced more parental maltreatment than housed adolescents, and reported feelings of less…

Describes a nonprofit K-6 school for children whose families are homeless or struggling with serious personal and financial situations. The location is secret, because most of the students come from single-parent families experiencing domestic violence. Children are given a stable environment, intensive academic and emotional support, help moving…