News / Events

New Report Documents Extent of Child Homelessness in the U.S.
All 50 States Profiled and Ranked By Extent, Risk, Child Well-being, and Policy

Gloria Guard, president of People’s Emergency Center, spoke at a Congressional briefing about America’s Youngest Outcasts: State Report Card on Child Homelessness. This new report by the National Center on Family Homelessness found 1 in 50 American children are homeless each year. It documents the extent of child homelessness, describes the plight of homeless children, profiles and ranks the 50 states, and proposes solutions. The briefing was hosted by U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.

Ms. Guard stated that “we now have the chance to shift the national approach from one of a profound lack of knowledge about homeless children to one which informs policy makers about the difficulties faced by homeless children and youth.” She also stated that “research shows that today’s homeless children will very likely become tomorrow’s homeless adults.” Ms. Guard made a number of recommendations for action that the federal government should begin to take on behalf of homeless children. These include:

• Mandate developmental screening and diagnostic services for every child in shelter;
• Provide on-site counseling and trauma and developmental therapy;
• Establish mandates for behavioral health services in shelter and transitional housing facilities;
• Enhance training of homeless staff to assure proficiency in child development, identifying special needs, and the impact of violence and trauma on children;
• Ensure adequate privacy for teens in shelters and transitional housing programs;
• Provide adequate funding for programs for teen mothers raising children on their own; and
• Expand the definition of those who qualify for special needs housing to include families with special needs children.

To read Gloria Guard's testimony click here.

To read more about National Center on Family Homelessness click here.