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Emotional and behavioral problems and severe academic delays among sheltered homeless children in Los Angeles County

Author

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  • Zima, B.T.
  • Wells, K.B.
  • Freeman, H.E.

Abstract

Objectives. Few studies have estimated the extent of specific emotional, behavioral, and academic problems among sheltered homeless children. The objectives of this study were to describe such problems, identify those children with the problems, and evaluate the relationship between child problems and use of physical and mental health services. Methods. From February through May 1991, 169 school-age children and their parents living in 18 emergency homeless family shelters in Los Angeles County were interviewed. To evaluate the answers, interviewers used standardized measures of depression, behavioral problems, receptive vocabulary, and reading. Results. The vast majority (78%) of homeless children suffered from either depression, a behavioral problem, or severe academic delay. Among children having a problem, only one third of the parents were aware of any problem, and few of those children (15%) had ever received mental health care or special education. Conclusions. Almost all school-age sheltered homeless children in Los Angeles County have symptoms of depression, a behavioral problem, or academic delay severe enough to merit a clinical evaluation, yet few receive specific care. Programs targeted at sheltered homeless school- age children are needed to close this gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Zima, B.T. & Wells, K.B. & Freeman, H.E., 1994. "Emotional and behavioral problems and severe academic delays among sheltered homeless children in Los Angeles County," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(2), pages 260-264.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:1994:84:2:260-264_1
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    Cited by:

    1. Kirkman, Maggie & Keys, Deborah & Bodzak, Daria & Turner, Alina, 2010. ""Are we moving again this week?" Children's experiences of homelessness in Victoria, Australia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(7), pages 994-1001, April.
    2. Cassidy, Michael T., 2020. "A Closer Look: Proximity Boosts Homeless Student Performance in New York City," IZA Discussion Papers 13558, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    3. Fantuzzo, John & LeBoeuf, Whitney & Brumley, Benjamin & Perlman, Staci, 2013. "A population-based inquiry of homeless episode characteristics and early educational well-being," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 35(6), pages 966-972.
    4. Diana Margot Rosenthal & Marcella Ucci & Michelle Heys & Antoinette Schoenthaler & Monica Lakhanpaul & Andrew Hayward & Celine Lewis, 2022. "A Citizen Science Approach to Identifying Indoor Environmental Barriers to Optimal Health for under 5s Experiencing Homelessness in Temporary Accommodation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-33, March.
    5. Sulkowski, Michael L. & Michael, Kurt, 2014. "Meeting the mental health needs of homeless students in schools: A Multi-Tiered System of Support framework," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 145-151.
    6. Biggar, Heather, 2001. "Homeless children and education: an evaluation of the Stewart B. McKinney homeless assistance act," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(12), pages 941-969, December.
    7. Heflinger, Craig Anne & Simpkins, Celeste G. & Combs-Orme, Terri, 2000. "Using the CBCL to determine the clinical status of children in state custody," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(1), pages 55-73, January.

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