Considers alcohol and other drug abuse among homeless women and the impact of public policy decisions on this group, their dependent children, and the family unit. Examines barriers to treatment including legal rights conflicts (women's versus children's), criminalization, and treatment approaches. (JB)

Describes developmental and behavioral characteristics of homeless young children and their parents. Reports on how states and communities are attempting to meet the early education and care of young children in homeless families. Discusses the needs or problems that early education and care programs that include homeless children should address.…

Discusses how the early childhood classroom can provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children faced with the adverse conditions associated with homelessness. Offers suggestions on seven aspects of a classroom program that require special emphasis: routines, materials and activities, adult-child groupings, space, comings and…

Examines professional and nonprofessional service providers to the homeless and their influence on local policymaking. Because professionals must supply precise information to government funding programs, they are more influential in interpreting homelessness to the public, yet promote a false sense of control over the situation by reducing the…

School districts must address health and academic challenges homeless children bring to school by forming community-based task forces, helping homeless shelters address families' needs, increasing staff awareness, and developing strategies to encourage homeless children's academic success. The paper notes opportunities for staff involvement and…

A dramatic increase in numbers of homeless families with school-age children and independent homeless youth has occurred in recent years. This article, an introduction to issues involved in educating homeless students, offers strategies for building awareness, increasing and supporting parental involvement, providing early intervention, and…

Findings from interviews of street children in Pretoria, South Africa, are presented, discussed, and compared with past research. Indicates the average age of South African street children is 13 years. Most are males of African origin; have been on the streets three years or longer; and cited family violence, parental alcoholism, abuse, and…

Presents statistical information on rates of violence and victimization in a substance abuse program for homeless mothers, with accompanying anecdotal details to indicate the depth and effects of the problem. The majority of the women acknowledged incidents of childhood and adult victimization, and reported engaging in adult aggressive or abusive…

Some studies suggest lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) teens are at higher risk than peers for violence at home, in school, and in the community. That can bring them into the child welfare system or services for runaway and homeless teens. This study compared self-reported experiences of sexual and physical abuse based on sexual orientation and…

The article explores how homelessness may impact on the educational participation of children and young people in families living in emergency accommodation in Dublin. Many difficulties arise in terms of maintaining consistent schooling for children when they are part of a homeless family, including problems getting to and from school if living at…

Using intensive qualitative interviews with 40 homeless youth, this study examined their early family histories for abuse, neglect, and other family problems and the number and types of transitions that youth experienced. Multiple forms of child maltreatment, family alcoholism, drug use, and criminal activity characterized early family histories…

From 1992 through 2001, Russia lost more than 7 million people as a result of natural population loss or, with the positive migration balance taken into account, 4.7 million. These statistics show that the size of Russia's population is diminishing steadily. This article reports the findings of a study examining the factors that account for the…

The California Research Bureau (CRB), in participation with the California Council on Youth Relations (CCYR), and with support from The California Wellness Foundation, has been conducting a major research and policy initiative to bring attention to the issues facing homeless youth in California. These include lack of shelter and educational…

Researchers in many fields agree. The physical, social, and economic health and well-being of adults and society as a whole are strongly influenced by the early experiences of children, when the foundation for effective cognitive and social skills and abilities are developed. Children who have developmental delays or disabilities require and often…

This report summarizes 2007-2008 school year activities and services in Austin Independent School District funded through the federal NCLB Title I Part A and Part D grants to serve eligible students and staff at facilities for neglected youth or delinquent youth located in the AISD attendance zone.