The Effects of Homelessness on Children and Youth Kids at Risk The Effects of Homelessness on Children and Youth

Causes of Homelessness Low Income/Poverty Lack of Affordable Housing Health Problems, including Substance Abuse Domestic Violence For Unaccompanied Youth – physical/sexual abuse, neglect, family conflict, LGBTQ

The Scale of Homelessness Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Source: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/education.html Families with children now account for 40% of the nation's homeless population Source: http://www.nlchp.org/program In the 2016-2017 school year, Chicago Public Schools identified 18,831 students experiencing homelessness. 98.2% were children of color. 55.9% were in grades K-8 44.1% were in grades 9-12 11.6% were living in shelters (2,180) 12.7% were unaccompanied youth (2,396) 22.4% had a disability or developmental delay (4,228) Source: http://www.chicagohomeless.org/faq_studies 77.3% are in grades K-8 22.7% are in grades 9-12 Source: National Center on Family Homelessness (2015). Federal Data Summary: School Years 2011-12 to 2013-14. In Illinois, there were 53,733 students identified as homeless during the 2015-2016 school year.

Trauma Over 90% of sheltered and low income mothers have experienced physical and sexual assault over their lifespan. Stresses associated with homelessness can exacerbate other trauma-related difficulties Homelessness puts families at greater risk of additional trauma – assault, violence, abrupt separation

Lack of Basic Necessities Effect on Children: Clothing - Low self esteem; bullying by peers Food - Hungry, weakened immune system, stomach aches Health - Lack of adequate medical care; chronic health conditions; poor hygiene; increased risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety Transportation – Complicated travel arrangements to get to school Possible Behaviors: Refusal to attend school Hoarding extra food; stealing food Absent due to illness; delayed language development due to ear infections Tardiness and erratic attendance; miss breakfast

Overcrowded Living Conditions Effect on children: Lack of privacy Disturbed sleep Unable to do homework Unable to concentrate Possible behaviors: Withdrawal or aggressive behavior Constantly tired Delays in gross motor development Wanting to be alone Unwilling to share Consistent lack of preparation for school

The Impacts of Homelessness on School Age Children Cognitive Development Impeded Behavioral, Social & Emotional Problems Educational Disruption/Lower academic performance Poor Health Care Higher chances of grade retention

Physical Health Risks Homeless children are sick at twice the rate of other children Twice as many ear infections Four times the rate of asthma Five time the rate of diarrhea and stomach problems

Mental Health Issues of Homeless School-Age Children 1998 Study by Edna M. Menke found that 57% of children had depressive symptoms and 26% needed additional evaluation for mental health problems. Used Children’s Depression Inventory and Child Behavior Checklist Strongest predictor of emotional and behavioral problems is mother’s level of emotional distress.

Frequent Change of Schools Effect on Children: Little or no structure in their lives Lack of continuity Unwilling to risk deep friendships Depression over loss of familiar places and friends Possible Behaviors: Use withdrawal or introversion, shy Unfriendly, aggressive, angry Fantasize about a “normal” life Difficulty with school work

Educational Issues Homeless children are twice as likely to repeat a grade compared with non-homeless children. Have twice the rate of learning disabilities Three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems. By the time homeless children are 8 years of age, one in three has a major mental disorder Proficiency rates for homeless children in reading and math are on average 16% lower than all students. Fewer than one in four homeless students graduate from high school National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2005). Facts of Trauma and Homeless Children. www.NCTSNet.org

Applicable Law McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq. (reauthorized Dec. 2015) Illinois Education for Homeless Children Act 105 ILCS 45/1-1 et seq. Illinois Equal Opportunity Regulation 23 Ill Admin. Code 1.240 Policy of the Illinois State Board of Education on the Education of Homeless Children and Youth http://www.isbe.state.il.us/homeless/pdf/policy.pdf ISBE Registration Guidance for the 2015-2016 School Year, Residency & Enrollment, Immigrant Pupils, Homeless Pupils and School Fees & Waivers

Discrimination Schools cannot exclude or segregate …or discriminate against any pupil on the basis of color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, marital status, or physical or mental handicap or status of being homeless. 23 IL Admin. Code 1.240(b)

Purpose of McKinney-Vento McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.11431 et seq.) “Ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education.” “Remove barriers to to the enrollment, attendance or success in school of homeless children and youths.”