Homeless Children

Essay # 4578

African-American Studies
Child, Youth Issues
Environmental Studies > Urban Issues

Homeless Children

This paper looks at the problem of homeless children in America, with a special focus on Washington, DC.

1,645 words () | 9 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper investigates the growing problem of homeless children in the United States. It pays special attention to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, which has one of the highest homeless rates in the country. The affects of homelessness on a child is examined, and the author shows how health, emotional development and school performance are adversely affected in these children. Current solutions to the problem are examined, and found to be inadequate, and the need for new, solutions, that will address the long-term needs of this special population is advocated.

From the Paper:

"According to research done by The Better Homes Fund, homeless children have very high rates of acute illness half suffer from two or more symptoms during a single month. They suffer twice as many ear infections, five times more stomach problems, six times as many speech impediments, and are four times more likely to be asthmatic. Homelessness also has a huge impact on a child s emotional development, as homelessness presents a myriad of stressful and traumatic experiences. Studies indicate that more than one-fifth of homeless children between three and six have emotional problems serious enough to require professional care and that children between seven and seventeen suffer from very serious mental health problems."