Healthcare and Homeless Youth

Homelessness is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States (American Medical Student Organization [AMSO], 2008, p.1). Problems inherent to homelessness are lack of shelter, food, clothing, and lack of health care. Living conditions of the homeless in and of themselves predispose the homeless population to a plethora of health problems. The problems associated with homelessness and healthcare have far reaching effects for a special subset of the homeless population – the population of homeless youth. Each year, more than 1.35 million children and youth experience life without a home, and one out of seven of all individuals treated by homeless health care projects is a child under age 15 (National Healthcare for the Homeless Council [NHCHC], 2003, p.1).

Homeless children face the same illnesses faced by children in the general population, but their health issues are exacerbated by the circumstances inherent in their homeless status. Homelessness in and of itself is an independent predictor of poor health status among children (Kern Medical Center, 2003, p.3). Some of the health care issues especially prevalent in the homeless youth population are: psychosocial issues, nutrition and issues related to physical development, communicable diseases, dermatological disorders, respiratory disorders, dental health issues, sexual health issues, substance abuse issues, and issues related to medication use and adherence.

Multiple studies have identified the adverse effects of homelessness on children’s psychosocial health including aspects of development, academic success, behavior, and mental health. In comparison to other poor children who have never been homeless, there is increased risk for depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, and academic problems in homeless children (Kern Medical Center, 2003, p. 4). In addition, poor nutrition, environmental toxins, drug exposure, and chronic stress related to homelessness can harm a child’s developing brain (Bostick,...