An understanding of the close link between federal policy and family homelessness is critical for ensuring that one day no child in the United States is homeless. This article discusses the nature of family homelessness, the national policy framework that exists to help vulnerable families, the homeless assistance system that federal policy has…

Proposes a theoretical morphology for analyzing programatic variables that directly produce social spending. Three gate variables are developed: the beneficiary population, program content, and financing rules. The analysis identifies the gatekeepers of each variable and assesses their capacity for control. (Author)

Discusses social service needs of homeless children and families. Provides suggestions for implementing changes in programs for the homeless that will better meet those needs. (PCB)

Looks at poverty in the context of homeless women and children; reviews government programs that have had an impact on poverty; provides suggestions for policy decisions. (PCB)

The homeless crisis in America is a complex issue with no "quick fixes." In Stanislaus County, California, it seems that there are many programs operating in isolation of one another. Approximately 5% of the county's population is homeless. Homeless persons have survival needs for food and clothing, hygiene, health care, affordable…

This essay with photographs describes the experiences of two runaways, examining why they left home and how they found help. Although runaways have a reputation for being irresponsible, they usually have good reasons for leaving home. The nun who ran Noah's Ark, where both the runaways featured found shelter and help, estimated that only about two…

Policies and problems of education for the homeless are discussed. The analysis is organized in four main sections. The first describes trends, dimensions, and difficulties of homelessness among children and youth. This section is based on various reports, especially those required by federal legislation. The second section reports and interprets…

Discusses public perceptions of street youth, characteristics of street youth workers, frameworks for healthy youth development, and training for street youth work. Argues that multiple philosophies for street youth work be acknowledged with their ethical implications. Suggests that youth work as a vocation includes reciprocal development of youth…

Proposes four categories of children in difficult circumstances: (1) abandoned or orphaned; (2) independent, maintaining family contact; (3) working, living with families; and (4) living with economically deprived families. Suggests that rapid urbanization, family environment, global economy, and educational deprivation contribute to difficulties.…

This report presents results and recommendations of a two-year study and information-gathering effort by the New Hampshire Task Force on Homelessness, in compliance with the charge of the State legislature. The report is comprised of five sections. Section 1, "Introduction," presents an overview of the Task Force and a report on the…

Describes regional and federal responses to the homelessness crisis, including the author-sponsored White House Conference on Homelessness Act. Supports legislative measures to accomplish the following goals: (1) increased low-income housing; (2) treatment of mentally ill and alcohol- and drug-dependent individuals; and (3) new approaches to…

Examines professional and nonprofessional service providers to the homeless and their influence on local policymaking. Because professionals must supply precise information to government funding programs, they are more influential in interpreting homelessness to the public, yet promote a false sense of control over the situation by reducing the…

This paper analyzes the Bush Administration's budget request for homelessness programs, and argues that it promised little to alleviate the suffering of homeless people. The paper asserts that the proposal is the weakest in years, with overall spending down by 7 percent when adjusted for inflation. Programs hardest hit are new funding to increase…

Although Massachusetts ranks in the top 10 percent among states on several key indicators of child well-being, the state's growing incidence of child maltreatment is stark and confounding. This report launches a state call to action aimed at ending child maltreatment through revising and strengthening systems to protect children, providing support…

This report identifies the following objectives in the State of Maryland's efforts to prevent and substantially reduce homelessness: (1) expand resources for the prevention of homelessness, and investigate possible changes in policies contributing to homelessness; (2) establish a strong emergency response to homelessness throughout the State; (3)…