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…

Recent research suggests that approximately one-third of homeless single adults suffer from severe mental illnesses. Discusses federal initiatives undertaken by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) to encourage research and improve services for this subgroup. Describes the target population, NIMH research findings, and current mental…

Discusses the need for critical review of expert scientific findings used in the development of social policy. Uses the case of dissent from the Institute of Medicine's report on health care for the homeless to illustrate the conflict between scientific and practical moral objectivity. (FMW)

Outlines a 10-year program to upgrade the condition of the homeless. Lists general economic and social goals. (FMW)

Presents strategies for working with homeless students. Teachers must recognize the power of school, focus on family needs, provide academic aid, suggest help for the parents, and marshall all available forces. Teachers must also begin with each child's basic needs (food and clothing), enhance social skills, then work on attendance. (SM)

Examines the barriers and issues that exist in providing services to high-risk youth, such as runaways and homeless youth, for HIV infection. Ways of removing those barriers by empowering both service providers and youth are offered. Recommendations are also provided for policy development concerning youth and HIV/AIDS. (GR)

Presents an overview of the situation of street children and youth in urban Latin America. Findings from numerous studies throughout the region are synthesized. Suggests that economic factors underlie the marginalization of vast numbers of Latin American children. The result is the exclusion of many of the region's children from meaningful…

Discussion of the application of TQM (Total Quality Management) to libraries addresses planning based on customer needs and use of the scientific method to evaluate customer satisfaction. A TQM experiment at Marquette Middle School (Wisconsin) is examined, and ways that TQM was used to meet the needs of homeless students are described. (MES)

This case study describes an unsuccessful research proposal submitted in response to a request for applications for projects to implement and evaluate up to 18 innovative programs for homeless persons with alcohol or other drug problems. This unsuccessful proposal reflects several tensions inherent in evaluation research. (SLD)

This study provides empirical data on the substance use behaviors of delinquent and homeless youths. Results indicate that these children use tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs at higher rates than adolescents in general. Drug education and prevention programs must be tailored to fit the needs of these at-risk populations. (RJM)

States the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives' resolution on homelessness. Authorizes executive officers to stimulate research about homelessness, recommend action to government officials, advocate public funding, disseminate accurate information, and encourage and endorse appropriate legislation. (JB)

Considers alcohol and other drug abuse among homeless women and the impact of public policy decisions on this group, their dependent children, and the family unit. Examines barriers to treatment including legal rights conflicts (women's versus children's), criminalization, and treatment approaches. (JB)

Describes developmental and behavioral characteristics of homeless young children and their parents. Reports on how states and communities are attempting to meet the early education and care of young children in homeless families. Discusses the needs or problems that early education and care programs that include homeless children should address.…

Discusses how the early childhood classroom can provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children faced with the adverse conditions associated with homelessness. Offers suggestions on seven aspects of a classroom program that require special emphasis: routines, materials and activities, adult-child groupings, space, comings and…

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…