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

2. 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

3. The Scale of Homelessness
Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.
Source:
Families with children now account for 40% of the nation's homeless population
Source:
In the school year, Chicago Public Schools identified 18,831 students experiencing homelessness % 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:
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 to
In Illinois, there were 53,733 students identified as homeless during the school year.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. Applicable Law McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
42 U.S.C 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
ISBE Registration Guidance for the School Year, Residency & Enrollment, Immigrant Pupils, Homeless Pupils and School Fees & Waivers

13. 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)

14. Purpose of McKinney-Vento
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C 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.”