Abstract The paper deals at length with the problem of homeless persons and states that while the homeless population is increasing steadily, the number of children amongst this population has seen the steepest incline. The paper reports that the Institute for Children and Poverty has shown that nearly millions of adolescents are experiencing homelessness. This staggering number means that nearly 2% of all children and approximately 10% of all poor children in America are presently homeless. The paper deals extensively with the problem of educating homeless children by exploring the strategies and tactics put forward by the McKinney-Vento Act in educating homeless children.
Outline:
Introduction
Background of the Study
Current Issues in Government Policies
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Methodology
Research Method and Design
Data Collection
Data Evaluation
Definitions of Homelessness and Problems Associated with the Definition
The Educational Rights of Homeless Children
Strategies Implemented
Conclusion and Discussion
From the Paper "As mentioned above, during the 1970's the streets of America, during the night, were increasingly being occupied by adults and children alike for spending their nights. This phenomenon was exposed by the media and the social advocates along with the policy makers chipped in to being a social change particularly in the education sector. However, research shows that more people, particularly families with small children, are homeless today than they were in the 1970's and the number is steeply rising (Hafetz, 2003). Burt (2001) argued that the while the country progressed economically all through the 1990's, the trickle down affect of this progress could not be seen. In fact, on the contrary, the housing industry got more pressure, which resulted in the increased rents and lack of affordable housing (Burt, 2001). Therefore, homelessness has once again got the front page attention from the media. "
Abstract This paper discusses the high incidence of mental illness among the homeless and takes a look at the possible connection between homelessness and mental illness. The paper discusses the adverse impact of homelessness on the treatment of mental illness and looks at whether homelessness causes psychiatric distress, or whether mentally ill people are homeless because of their psychiatric disorder.
From the Paper "For more than three decades researchers have sought to determine the nature of the relationship between mental illness and homelessness due to the pervasiveness of mental illness in this population. Most recent studies indicated that approximately one-quarter to one-third of the homeless population suffered from a serious mental illness."
Abstract Homelessness has been described as a chronic illness affecting all societies regardless of the degree of economic development and overall wealth of the nation. It is pandemic and epidemic in some societies. Various researchers have attributed the cause of homelessness to a series of factors that work to create homelessness from three dimensions. This paper discusses the problem of homelessness, noting that it has reached pandemic and epidemic proportions in societies throughout the world. The paper also examines the conclusions research has drawn about the factors causing homelessness.
Abstract A review of public policy issues surrounding homelessness, including history, Internet research and interviews with homeless people in a shelter in Cambridge, MA. It also discusses the lessons that can be learned from the moderately successful Massachusetts programs of the early eighties, and the lack of public interest in this issue, especially elite public interest.
From the Paper "Homelessness was first addressed in the early 1980's in reaction to the visibly increased homeless population, but interest has steadily decreased since government action was initially taken over a decade ago. In reevaluating public policy options, it is important to examine the causes of the problem and delegate authority to those best suited to solving it. Lessons can be learned from the moderately successful Massachusetts programs of the early eighties, but in order for that pluralistic model to work, public interest must be created by an elite source."
Tags: boston, cambridge, homeless, homelessness, interviews, massachussets, policy, public
Abstract The paper begins by describing global/worldwide homelessness. It provides refugee data and statistics. The paper also covers issues, such as globalization, rent control and affordable housing, gentrification, and hidden homelessness. It also looks at what people are doing to help homelessness. The paper includes statistics and supporting information.
From the Paper "We constantly see and hear about homelessness, even in our own communities. Homelessness is a growing problem throughout the world, but many of us do not understand how huge the issue is. Homelessness is defined as a condition of people who lack regular legal access to adequate housing (MSN Encarta). In 1999 there was up to 100 million homeless people in the world and in 2000 there was about 3.5 million homeless people in the United States (How Many People Experience Homelessness?, 2002). At least 600 million people live in shelters in developing world cities that are life threatening or health threatening (100 Million Homeless in World). About 50,000 people die everyday as a result of poor shelter, polluted water and inadequate sanitation. The things that cause homelessness throughout the world help bring it into our own communities."
Abstract Homelessness remains one of America's most complicated and important social issues and is a devastating experience for families. It disrupts virtually every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members interfering with children's education and development and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. This paper provides an overview of causes and consequences of homelessness among three of the largest homeless population in the United States; families with children, the mentally ill and veterans.
From the Paper "In the last 15 years, the United States has seen a tremendous growth in the percentage of the homeless population. One of the fastest growing segments of the homeless population is families with children. Families with children constitute approximately 40% of people who become homeless. A survey of 30 U.S. cities found that in 1998, children accounted for 25% of the homeless population. Families have become much more diverse than the conventional nuclear family. The make up of homeless people has also become more diverse and now includes a larger proportion of homeless families. Families have changed due to the decline in marriages, increased births outside marriage, lower birth rates, and higher rates of divorce and relationship breakdown. Homeless families include single parent families, headed mainly by women, couples with children and couples without children. The U.S. Census indicates that families, single mothers, and children make up the largest group of people who are homeless in rural areas."
Tags: causes, families, homeless, homelessness, states, united, veterans
Abstract In this essay the writer discusses the central grid of homelessness in Toronto with attention to health. The writer refers to Fitzpatrick & LaGory on spatial identification of homeless persons, to fieldwork indicating a local culture of homelessness and some interviews. Further, the writer makes much reflection on what the problems are and what could be done, given that homeless persons of low health seem to be a permanent reality.
From the Paper "Fitzpatrick & LaGory note that the, "the spatial deprivation of homelessness represents an extreme form of poverty". They refer to the spatial in terms of a sense of place, whereas there may be other ways to interpret the spatial reality of the homeless person. In central Toronto, one finds a way of life that may suit some individuals, perhaps ironically, while presenting serious risks to health that are less found in housed persons. There is an 'urban health penalty' assigned to those who live in poorer areas of North American cities."
Abstract This paper addresses the subject of the University of Southern California (USC) and homelessness. The writer discusses that in the wake of the 1992 Los Angeles Uprising, USC enhanced its commitment to social justice, vowing to be a community participant rather than a fortress. The writer points out that USC has focused on helping the homeless by researching the problems, by being actively involved in helping the homeless and by finding housing and other solutions to help the homeless.
From the Paper "Since the 1990s, the statistics concerning helplessness shows that it is becoming a serious problem in the United States. "An estimated 26 million individuals in the United States have experienced some form of homelessness in their lifetime". More people with children are becoming homeless or many children are found homeless due to running away from problems at home. "More than 1 million children run away from home each year. Every 26 seconds, an American child runs away" and many of these children become homeless. Many of the people who are homeless have mental illness, substance abuse, or both. The University of Southern California (USC) realizes that homelessness is a serious problem and steps must be taken to reduce these statistics."
Abstract This paper discusses the countless factors that contribute to the likelihood that an individual or family will end up homeless. The author focuses on the chronically homeless and mental illness. Other risk factors are considered as well, such as lack of affordable housing, low paying jobs, substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, poverty, prison release, changes or cuts in public assistance. The paper concludes by exploring different outlooks on homelessness.
From the Paper "There are countless factors that contribute to the likelihood that an individual or family will end up homeless, including: lack of affordable housing, low paying jobs, substance abuse, domestic violence, unemployment, poverty, prison release, changes or cuts in public assistance and mental illness paired with a lack of needed services. (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 2006) When I analyze a policy in my next paper, I will be focusing on the historical progression of events that have created a no-win for the mentally ill with virtually no social or legal support system that can lead those with other risk factors to homelessness. Though we can look at the general homeless population, it is difficult to create accurate estimates of actual numbers. This makes the sub-population of the homeless mentally ill even more difficult to estimate. In many cases, homelessness is only a temporary condition. The number of people who find housing and the number of people who newly find themselves homeless fluctuate over time periods. People with a mental illness or substance abuse problem are largely chronically homeless because it is difficult for many of them to find permanent housing. (Rosenheck, Bassuk, & Salomon, 1999) The National Coalition for the Homeless states, "By its very nature, homelessness is impossible to measure with 100% accuracy." "
Abstract This paper attempts to explain why people are homeless and what the best solution is. The paper shows that this is a worldwide problem with many political concerns for the people who are homeless. The definition of homelessness, statistics and possible solutions are also given.
Abstract This paper examines adult development, life span development theory and homelessness. The paper presents research for male and female homeless individuals. The paper focuses on the effects of homelessness in various developmental stages: middle age (40-60), older mature adults (60-80), and late adulthood (80 and over).
Abstract This paper compares homelessness during two eras in American history, focusing on the attitudes of government and the public toward the homeless. The paper looks at the period of the Great Depression vs. modern-day society. The paper provides a context and background of the homelessness issue, historically and contemporarily. The paper also discusses if and how the government has changed in regard to its programs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the role of social and political activists.
From the Paper "This research examines the phenomenon of homelessness in two periods of American history: the Great Depression and the present day. The research will set forth the context and background for the subject and then compare the ways in which the state's role has..."
Abstract This paper takea a close look at a certain tragic vulnerable population that can be found in cities and elsewhere across the United States: the homeless. There is a particular focus on homeless children, or street kids, and how homelessness adversely affects such young people. The paper gives a description of the selected population, the significance of problems related to their vulnerability, related health and social problems, an evaluation of the adequacy of current strategies to break the cycle of vulnerability, and a proposal for community and public health nursing interventions that may help correct the problem.
From the Paper "Throughout the United States, mostly in the country's larger cities, but also in suburban and rural areas, there is a mounting problem that is creating and tragically vulnerable population. This problem is that of homelessness and the population it affects is diverse and far-reaching. Those who have found themselves homeless can range from sufferers of mental illness, those subjected to poverty, those who are out of work, and those with substance abuse problems. But the most tragic victims of the rash of homelessness seen in America are homeless children. Without proper health care, without proper nutrition, without roofs over their heads and beds to sleep in, homeless children, or street kids, do not have much of a chance to live happy, healthy lives. "
Abstract This paper briefly discusses the causes of homelessness in North American society. It identifies three of the primary causes as education, employment, and income support. Homelessness is not simply a matter of personal "choice", as some believe, but rather the causes are myriad and run deep. Very few of the homeless are there by choice, but include people from all walks of life.
From the Paper "From the eastern shores of North America to the western coast, in all major cities and most rural communities, the homeless are all around us. They can be seen sleeping on park benches, in doorways, behind garbage dumpsters in back alleys, under bridges, and anywhere else that provides at least a small level of comfort. In colder months homeless individuals of both genders, including entire families in many cases, will fill available shelters to capacity. The "effects" of homelessness on the larger society are more easily observed and quantified than are the "causes" of homelessness. The causes run deep."
Abstract In this essay the writer examines the topic of homelessness in Canada. The paper looks at many different aspects of homelessness in Canada. The central argument discussed is that homelessness is a growing problem throughout Canada and it is getting worse. The writer examines social, political and economic costs.
From the Paper "Homelessness is one of the greatest social problems facing Canada. The problem has become so bad that the Mayors of Canada's largest cities declared homelessness a national disaster. Although homelessness is usually thought of as a problem afflicting Canada's largest cities, homelessness is becoming a problem across Canada. Even in smaller cities like Thunder Bay, Iqaluit and Fort McMurray homelessness seems to be becoming increasingly common. Although homelessness is a problem throughout Canada it is not homogeneous. Different social, political and economic factors are different across Canada."
