Reviews research dealing with the intersection of the developmental psychology of trauma and spirituality. Examines the role of religion in spiritual development and asserts the need to study life paths of violent youth to see role of spirituality in preventing social problems. Uses research with street children and children in war zones. (BGC)

A collaborative approach, both within and outside of the school system, will effectively and comprehensively address the barriers that hinder educational and social service delivery to homeless children. School social workers can be instrumental in assisting this vulnerable population by identifying, assessing, and developing strategies for…

The literature on teen sexuality, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), drug abuse, and homelessness is reviewed as it relates to students with special needs. A survey of 258 special education teacher preparation programs revealed wide variability in the coverage that these programs were providing on these…

This paper describes a curriculum provided to homeless high school students in San Francisco. The curriculum is delivered at a community-based organization already serving the homeless rather than in the schools and features spontaneous symposiums, scheduled symposiums, independent learning, private and small group instruction in basic academic…

Reviews studies on the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among homeless adolescents, and makes policy recommendations. Discusses factors affecting delivery of services, social networks and risk acts, and describes intervention programs aimed at homeless youth. Homeless youth are well informed about HIV and responsive to behavior change.…

Introduces background issues regarding the education of homeless children in urban areas, focusing on problems of definition and identification and sociological factors related to homelessness. An overview is provided of the articles of the special issue. The challenges are how to meet the needs of an amorphous and troubled population. (SLD)

Presents the case study of a transitional school for homeless children that specifically targets their educational needs through an interagency attempt to serve poor families and children in an inner-city setting in Charlotte (North Carolina). Findings and recommendations based on this interagency approach are discussed. (SLD)

Describes a qualitative research project examining homelessness's effects on children's schooling, highlighting a South Carolina intervention program's success. Research disclosed an informal homelessness "caste system," the political unpopularity of providing homeless services, homeless kids' high rates of academic failure and problem…

Provides a starting place for teachers to learn more about the needs of homeless children, and to incorporate this information into lesson plans. A list of instructional activities and projects gives students, teachers, and parents a compassionate perspective. Includes a list of resources on homelessness and housing around the world. (MJP)

A study of 161 substance-abusing mothers assessed 10 maternal risk factors: maternal depression; domestic violence; nondomestic violence; family size; incarceration; no significant other at home; negative life events; psychiatric problems; homelessness; and drug use severity. Parenting stress and child abuse potential was higher for women with…

Describes an adult literacy program in which semiliterate adults improve their skills by reading to children at a New York (New York) daycare center. The adults are able to use developmentally appropriate books without losing self-esteem and the children benefit from initial literacy experiences. (FMW)

Studies the degree to which psychiatric and substance abuse problems and victimization place families at elevated risk of requiring emergency housing and prevalence of these problems among 677 mothers in families requesting shelter and 495 comparison-group housed mothers in New York City. Problems, reported infrequently, correlate with…

Assesses research to date on homeless mentally ill persons including progress in research approaches (street versus sheltered homeless populations, and directions for further research) and the evolution of new service approaches. Reviews the development of federal, state, and local policies, including descriptions of four model programs and…

Focuses on issues relevant to educating homeless adolescents, including barriers to education, historical trends in homelessness, and reasons adolescents become homeless. The unique problems of this group, such as victimization and street life, are discussed with implications for educators. Recommendations are made for program and policy in this…

The B. F. Day Elementary School in Seattle (Washington) exemplifies positive changes that can be made with principal leadership and teacher involvement. The school is one of six Seattle urban schools receiving federal and state support for educating homeless children under the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. (SLD)