Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Programs for Homeless Children and Youth: A Critical Review of Evidence

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

To date, there are few studies that use rigorous research designs to evaluate interventions to address the needs of homeless children. Strengths and noteworthy findings as well as the challenges and limitations of this literature are summarized. The studies reviewed in this chapter represent laudable efforts on the part of researchers, practitioners, and community partners to engage in intervention studies with the challenging and understudied population of children in families experiencing homelessness. However, within the guidelines of the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards for evidence-based practices, none of the interventions represented in these studies have sufficient evidence to be rated as having Positive Effects. Most often, this is due to lack of quality evidence that evaluates the program outcomes. Policymakers, funding agencies, researchers, clinicians, and community practitioners can expand the evidence base for interventions with homeless children through understanding what constitutes quality evaluations and supporting high-quality research. This chapter concludes with recommendations for building a robust and rigorous evidence base of what works to allow stakeholders to improve the well-being of at-risk children, bettering their lives through increasingly effective and efficient programs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • American Psychological Association. (2005). Policy statement on evidence-based practice in psychology. http://www.apa.org/practice/ebpreport.pdf

  • August, G. J., Realmuto, G. M., Hektner, J. M., & Bloomquist, M. L. (2001). An integrated components preventive intervention for aggressive elementary school children: The early risers program. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69, 614–626.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baggerly, J. (2004). The effects of child-centered group play therapy on self-concept, depression, and anxiety of children who are homeless. International Journal of Play Therapy, 13(2), 31–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bassuk, E. L. (2010). Ending child homelessness in America. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 80, 496–504. doi:10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01052.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beharie, N., Kalogerogiannis, K., McKay, M. M., Paulino, A., Miranda, A., Rivera-Rodriguez, A., et al. (2011). The HOPE Family Project: A family-based group intervention to reduce the impact of homelessness on HIV/STI and drug risk behaviors. Social Work with Groups, 34, 61–78. doi:10.1080/01609513.2010.510091.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bodonyi, J. (2008). Evaluation of the sound families initiative: Final findings report: A comprehensive evaluation of the sound families initiative. Retrieved from http://www.buildingchanges.org/images/documents/library/2008%20Sound%20Families%20Final%20Findings%20Report.pdf

  • Buckner, J. C., Weinreb, L. F., Rog, D. J., Holupka, C. S., & Samuels, J. Predictors of homeless children’s problem behaviors over time: Findings from the CMHS/CSAT homeless families program. Unpublished manuscript.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burt, M. R., Pearson, C., & Montgomery, A. (2005). Strategies for preventing homelessness. Washington, DC: Department of Housing and Urban Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chambless, D. L., Baker, M. J., Baucom, D. H., Beutler, L. E., Calhoun, K. S., Crits-Christoph, P., et al. (1998). Update on empirically validated therapies, II. Clinical Psychologist, 51(1), 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chambless, D. L., & Hollon, S. D. (1998). Defining empirically supported therapies. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 7–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coalition for Evidence-Based Policy. (2010). Checklist for reviewing a randomized controlled trial of a social program of project, to assess whether it produced valid evidence. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://toptierevidence.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/Top-Tier-Checklist-for-Reviewing-RCTs-Updated-Jan10.pdf

  • Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., Berliner, L., & Deblinger, E. (2000). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents an empirical update. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 15(11), 1202–1223.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Culhane, D. P., Fantuzzo, J., Rouse, H. L., Tam, V., & Lukens, J. (2010). Connecting the dots: The promise of integrated data systems for policy analysis and systems reform. Intelligence for Social Policy, 1(3), 1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davey, T. L. (2004). A multiple-family group intervention for homeless families: The weekend retreat. Health & Social Work, 29(4), 326–329.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Leon, G. (2000). The therapeutic community: Theory, model, and method. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeCandia, C. J. (2012). Designing developmentally-based services for young homeless families. Strengthening at risk and homeless young mothers and children. Retrieved January 13, 2012, from www.familyhomelessness.org/media/313.pdf

  • Ferguson, S., & Morley, P. (2011). Improving engagement in the role of father for homeless, noncustodial fathers: A program evaluation. Journal of Poverty, 15(2), 206–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, R. L. (2000). Toward self‐sufficiency: Evaluating a transitional housing program for homeless families. Policy Studies Journal, 28(2), 402–420. doi:10.1111/j.1541-0072.2000.tb02038.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forgatch, M. S., & DeGarmo, D. S. (1999). Parenting through change: An effective prevention program for single mothers. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 67(5), 711–724.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gewirtz, A. (2007). Promoting children’s mental health in family supportive housing: A community-university partnership for formerly homeless children and families. Journal of Primary Prevention, 28, 359–374. doi:10.1007/s10935-007-0102-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gewirtz, A., Forgatch, M., & Wieling, E. (2008). Parenting practices as potential mechanisms for child adjustment following mass trauma. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 34(2), 177–192. doi:10.1111/j.1752-0606.2008.00063.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gewirtz, A., & Taylor, T. (2009). Participation of homeless and abused women in a parent training program: Science and practice converge in a battered women’s shelter. In M. F. Hindsworth & T. B. Lang (Eds.), Community participation and empowerment (pp. 97–114). Hauppage, NY: Nova.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grant, R. (1991). The special needs of homeless children: Early intervention at a welfare hotel. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 10(4), 76–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haber, M. G., & Toro, P. A. (2004). Homelessness among families, children, and adolescents: An ecological-developmental perspective. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 7(3), 123–164. doi:10.1023/B:CCFP.0000045124.09503.f1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Heckman, J. J., Ichimura, H., Smith, J., & Todd, P. (1998). Characterizing selection bias using experimental data. Econometrica, 66(5), 1017–1098.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heckman, J. J., Ichimura, H., & Todd, P. E. (1997). Matching as an econometric evaluation estimator: Evidence from evaluating a job training programme. The Review of Economic Studies, 64(4), 605–654.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herman, D., Opler, L., Felix, A., Valencia, E., Wyatt, R. J., & Susser, E. (2000). A critical time intervention with mentally ill homeless men: Impact on psychiatric symptoms. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 188(3), 135–140.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang, S. W., Tolomiczenko, G., Kouyoumdjian, F. G., & Garner, R. E. (2005). Interventions to improve the health of the homeless. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 29(4), 311–319.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Institute of Education Sciences. (2013). What works clearinghouse. Retrieved December 12, 2012, from http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/default.aspx

  • Jouriles, E. N., McDonald, R., Rosenfield, D., Stephens, N., Corbitt-Shindler, D., & Miller, P. C. (2009). Reducing conduct problems among children exposed to intimate partner violence: A randomized clinical trial examining effects of project support. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(4), 705–717.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jouriles, E. N., McDonald, R., Spiller, L., Norwood, W. D., Swank, P. R., Stephens, N., et al. (2001). Reducing conduct problems among children of battered women. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 69(5), 774–785. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.69.5.774.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kazak, A. E., Hoagwood, K., Weisz, J. R., Hood, K., Kratochwill, T. R., Vargas, L. A., et al. (2010). A meta-systems approach to evidence-based practice for children and adolescents. American Psychologist, 65(2), 85–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, J. F., Buehlman, K., & Caldwell, K. (2000) Training personnel to promote quality parent-child interaction in families who are homeless. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 20(3), 174–185.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kilmer, R. P., Cook, J. R., Crusto, C., Strater, K. P., & Haber, M. G. (2012). Understanding the ecology and development of children and families experiencing homelessness: Implications for practice, supportive services, and policy. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 82(3), 389–401.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kissman, K. (1999). Time out from stress: Camp program and parenting groups for homeless mothers. Contemporary Family Therapy, 21(3), 373–384. doi:10.1023/A:1021964416412.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levant, R. F., & Hasan, N. T. (2008). Evidence-based practice in psychology. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 39(6), 658–662.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDonald, R., Jouriles, E. N., & Skopp, N. A. (2006). Reducing conduct problems among children brought to women’s shelters: Intervention effects 24 months following termination of services. Journal of Family Psychology, 20(1), 127–136.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Medeiros, D., & Vaulton, W. (2010). Strengthening at-risk and homeless young mothers and children. Zero to Three, 30(3), 27–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Melley, A. H., Cosgrove, K., Norris-Shortle, C., Kiser, L. J., Levey, E. B., Coble, C. A., et al. (2010). Supporting positive parenting for young children experiencing homelessness: The PACT therapeutic nursery. Zero to Three, 30(3), 39–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murrell, N. L., Scherzer, T., Ryan, M., Frappier, N., Abrams, A., & Roberts, C. (2000). The AfterCare project: An intervention for homeless childbearing families. Family & Community Health, 23(3), 17–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nabors, L. A., Proescher, E., & DeSilva, M. (2001). School-based mental health prevention activities for homeless and at-risk youth. Child and Youth Care Forum, 30(1), 3–18.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nabors, L. A., Weist, M. D., Shugarman, R., Woeste, M. J., Mullet, E., & Rosner, L. (2004). Assessment, prevention, and intervention activities in a school-based program for children experiencing homelessness. Behavior Modification, 28(4), 565–578. doi:10.1177/0145445503259517.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Norris-Shortle, C., Melley, A. H., Kiser, L. J., Levey, E., Cosgrove, K., & Leviton, A. (2006). Targeted interventions for homeless children at a therapeutic nursery. Zero to Three, 26(4), 49–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Neil-Pirozzi, T. M. (2009). Feasibility and benefit of parent participation in a program emphasizing preschool child language development while homeless. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 18(3), 252–263.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Paquette, K., & Bassuk, E. L. (2009). Parenting and homelessness: Overview and introduction to the special section. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 79(3), 292–298.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Puterbaugh, F. G. (2009). The impact of the adolescent transition program’s parent management curriculum on risk factors for delinquency and perceived parenting efficacy. Doctoral Dissertation, Alliant International University, Fresno, CA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rog, D. J., & Buckner, J. C. (2007). Homeless families and children. In D. Dennis, G. Locke, & J. Khadduri (Eds.), Toward understanding homelessness: The 2007 national symposium on homelessness research. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Washington, DC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rog, D. J., McCombs‐Thornton, K. L., Gilbert‐Mongelli, A. M., Brito, M. C., & Holupka, C. S. (1995). Implementation of the homeless families program: 2. Characteristics, strengths, and needs of participant families. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 65(4), 514–528.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sacks, S., Sacks, J. A. Y., McKendrick, K., Pearson, F. S., Banks, S., & Harle, M. (2004). Outcomes from a therapeutic community for homeless addicted mothers and their children. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 31(4), 313–338.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Samuels, J., Shinn, M., & Buckner, J. C. (2010). Homeless children: Update on research, policy, programs, and opportunities: Prepared for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Delmar, NY: Policy Research Associates, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Samuels, J., Shinn, M., & Fischer, S. (2006). The impact of the Family Critical Time Intervention on homeless children. Final report to the National Institute of Mental Health

    Google Scholar 

  • Seibel, N. L., Bassuk, E., & Medeiros, D. (2012). Using evidence-based programs to support children and families experiencing homelessness. Zero to Three, 32(4), 30–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shinn, M., Weitzman, B. C., Stojanovic, D., Knickman, J. R., Jimenez, L., Duchon, L., et al. (1998). Predictors of homelessness among families in New York city: From shelter request to housing stability. American Journal of Public Health, 88(11), 1651–1657.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, J., & Todd, P. (2005). Does matching overcome LaLonde’s critique of nonexperimental estimators? Journal of Econometrics, 125(1), 305–353.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2013). Prevention training and technical assistance. From http://captus.samhsa.gov/prevention-practice/defining-evidence-based/samhsa-criteria

  • Swann-Jackson, R., Tapper, D., & Fields, A. (2010). Keeping families together: Program evaluation overview. New York, NY: Corporation for Supportive Housing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tischler, V., Vostanis, P., Bellerby, T., & Cumella, S. (2002). Evaluation of a mental health outreach service for homeless families. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 86(3), 158–163.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • What Works Clearinghouse (2011). What works clearinghouse procedures and standards handbook (Version 2.1). Retrieved January 9, 2013, from http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/reference_resources/wwc_procedures_v2_1_standards_handbook.pdf

  • Wong, Y. L. I., Culhane, D. P., & Kuhn, R. (1997). Predictors of exit and reentry among family shelter users in New York city. The Social Service Review, 71, 441–462.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zients, J. D. (2012). Memorandum to the heads of executive departments and agencies: Use of evidence and evaluation in the 2014 budget. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/omb/memoranda/2012/m-12-14.pdf

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Villanova Univeristy, 800 Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA

    Janette E. Herbers Ph.D.

  2. Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA

    J. J. Cutuli Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Janette E. Herbers Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. J. Cutuli Ph.D.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Janette E. Herbers Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

    Mary E. Haskett

  2. University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA

    Staci Perlman

  3. Arlington, Massachusetts, USA

    Beryl Ann Cowan

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Herbers, J.E., Cutuli, J.J. (2014). Programs for Homeless Children and Youth: A Critical Review of Evidence. In: Haskett, M., Perlman, S., Cowan, B. (eds) Supporting Families Experiencing Homelessness. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8718-0_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation