America’s Youngest Outcasts looks at child homelessness nationally and in the 50 states and
the District of Columbia, ranks the states from 1 (best) to 50 (worst), and examines causes of
child homelessness and solutions.
The report uses the newest federal and state data related to child homelessness, including
the most recent annual count of homeless children in public schools made by the U.S.
Department of Education (2012-2013 school year; released in September 2014) and U.S.
Census data. The report notes that while progress has been made in reducing homelessness
among veterans and chronically homeless individuals, no special attention has been directed
toward homeless children, and their numbers have increased.
Here is a link to the full report: http://new.homelesschildrenamerica.org/mediadocs/280.pdf
Prevalence of Child Homelessness
Based on a calculation using the most recent U.S. Department of Education’s count of
homeless children in U.S. public schools and on 2013 U.S. Census data:
• 2,483,539 children experienced homelessness in the U.S. in 2013 (2.5 million).
• This represents one in every 30 children in the U.S.
• This is an historic high in the number of homeless children in the U.S.
State Ranking
The states are ranked in the report from 1 (best) to 50 (worst) using a composite of four
domains: (1) extent of child homelessness; (2) well-being of the children; (3) risk for family
homelessness; and (4) policy response. All states have children who are homeless.
Causes of Child Homelessness
Major causes of homelessness for children in the U.S. include: (1) the nation’s high poverty
rate; (2) lack of affordable housing across the nation; (3) continuing impacts of the Great
Recession; (4) racial disparities; (5) the challenges of single parenting; and (6) the ways in
which traumatic experiences, especially domestic violence, precede and prolong homelessness
for children and families.
Impacts of Homelessness on Children
Research shows that homeless children are hungry and sick more often. They wonder if
they will have a roof over their heads at night and what will happen to their families. Many
homeless children struggle in school, missing days, repeating grades, and drop out entirely.
Up to 25% of homeless pre-school children have mental health problems requiring clinical
evaluation; this increases to 40% among homeless school-age children.
The impacts of homelessness on the children, especially young children, may lead to changes
in brain architecture that can interfere with learning, emotional self-regulation, cognitive
skills, and social relationships. The unrelenting stress experienced by the parents may
contribute to residential instability, unemployment, ineffective parenting, and poor health.
Effective Responses to Child Homelessness
Effective responses to child homelessness must include:
• Safe, affordable housing.
• Comprehensive needs assessments of all family members.
• Family-oriented services that incorporate trauma-informed care.
• Identification, prevention, and treatment of major depression in mothers.
• Parenting supports for mothers.
• Education and employment opportunities for parents.
• Further research to identify evidence-based programs and services for children and families.