Homelessness

Homeless Children in America

As we know, there are several homeless children in America. This cycle of homelessness is running throughout our country and in many other countries. In order to fully understand why there are homeless children in America, we must first define the term homeless. Homeless is defined as without a home and, therefore, typically living on the streets (Merriam- Webster). Another definition is individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence (McKinney-Vento Act). As we explore this terrible epidemic of homeless children in America we will consider causes, statistics, and the impact of homelessness, educational rights, laws, challenges, and implications for educators, school counselors and social workers who work with children who are homeless.

Unfortunately, there are so many factors that contribute to children being homeless. Some of those factors include unemployment, foreclosure, unaffordable housing, medical issues, mental issues, poverty, decline in public assistance and the list goes on and on. The most unfortunate problem with all of the causes of homelessness is the fact that none of the reasons are the responsibility of the child. According to Maide (2010), approximately one-third of the nation's homeless population consists of families with children. With the rapid decline of the economy, this number is continuing to rise. Children cannot provide adequate housing for themselves. This should be the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. However, because of the fore-stated issues, the parents are not in position themselves to give their children the basic essentials of life.

Many adults with children who are homeless are not in this position because they have made terrible decisions as caregivers. Many times, society views homeless individuals as bums who wanted nothing out of life and who are uneducated and unmotivated. However, with the economy that we are...