Dance as an artform touches the biopsychosocial dimensions of people and as such is increasingly used as a vehicle to improve the quality of life of diverse populations in the community. Yet little is known about how dance classes are experienced by marginalized populations. The purpose of this action research was to explore the potential of dance…

High level of mental health problems are a critical concern among youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. Using data from a randomized controlled trial on Housing First in Canada, this study examined the risk factors and protective resources associated with mental health recovery among 215 homeless youth with mental illness at baseline and…

Objective: To identify social determinants of mental health embedded within college students' living and learning conditions. Participants: Participants included 215 mostly undergraduate (95%) business students at a diverse, urban west coast public university (48% women; mean age 24). Methods: Participants completed an online self-report survey…

Children and adolescents ("youth") experiencing homelessness are at a disproportionately high risk of exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTE). However, limited evidence exists as to what interventions are effective when implemented with this high-risk population. The purpose of this study was to (1) document the mental health and…

This article presents the conceptual underpinnings of a homelessness intervention program, accompanied by a social work course, that provide direct services and cause advocacy with and on behalf of people experiencing homelessness. A program goal is to educate students in social work, medicine, law, pharmacy, public health, and nursing?about…

The COVID-19 pandemic and transition to online learning brings new challenges in meeting the unique social and emotional needs of young adolescents. Furthermore, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated deep inequities in our society. The crisis highlights the growing racial and economic disparities that occur when students do not have the online…

While homeless and highly mobile students experience multiple forms of marginality, trauma, and economic hardship, an increasing number of community colleges are providing support services tailored for this population. This qualitative study examined campus food pantries as a vital service that furthers the completion agenda.

Positive developmental outcomes among youth living in poverty have rarely been studied. Despite numerous risk factors, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to positive developmental outcomes among youth in poverty. Using the Self-Determination Theory framework, this two-wave longitudinal study investigated the contribution of…

This article details the transformation of an empty store into a gallery honouring youth and others who have passed away from overdoses, and the creation of extensive harm reduction and grief support programming that accompanied the display of artwork. The outpouring of community interest, participation, and emotion that surfaced around heART…

In Oklahoma City Public Schools, the state's largest school district, nearly 3,000 students don't know where they'll be sleeping each night. As parents or guardians move about, enrolling and re-enrolling in schools can become overwhelming--especially when there is no firm address to provide--so families often keep children out of school. This…

In the past few decades, scholars and practitioners have given increasing attention to the experiences of families affected by trauma related to substance use, homelessness, and incarceration. As parents seek to restore and maintain parental bonds during traumatic separations and transitions, interdisciplinary family literacy interventions can be…

Undocumented students face many challenges while trying to navigate through the K-12 educational system. This article emphasizes the educational and personal challenges and traumas this vulnerable student population faces. Using the ecological systems theory (1977) developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner as a framework, two student vignettes will be…

This article describes the conceptual approach to, and practical aspects of, the Infant-Parent Program's (IPP) decade-long experience providing early childhood mental health consultation in homeless shelters serving infants, young children, and their families. Illustrated by case examples, the authors discuss the characteristics of the…

Infants who stay in emergency shelters with their families are most likely to demonstrate resilience despite homelessness if they experience positive, nurturing relationships with their parents. We discuss the strengths and challenges of infants experiencing family homelessness as well as intervention and research evaluation in those contexts.…

Not all students are dealt the same cards in life and some seem to have the deck stacked against them. Those who are dealt a particularly difficult hand to play include homeless, foster care, and juvenile justice students. As professionals who often know the most about mental health, service delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and crisis…