Growing up is tough enough when you have loving parents and
a place to lay your head each night, warm clothes, a full stomach and a daily
hug. For millions of children in America who are growing up without a roof over
their head, the cost is great and much more than material. Four major concerns
are with regards to health, nutrition, development and psychological
disturbances. Although these problems may not always be readily apparent in
homeless children, they are, nonetheless a reality that must be faced.
Health and Nutrition Problems
Studies have consistently indicated that homeless children
are at a much greater risk of both acute and chronic health problems than other
children. Homeless women generally have babies with a low birth weight
indicating problems with prenatal nutrition and care. From the beginning,
homeless children’s health is compromised. Common health problems amongst
homeless children include respiratory infections, skin ailments, ear
infections, chronic physical disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. All of
these conditions appear more frequently in homeless children than other children
when compared on a national scale. A lack of emergency shelter, preventative,
and curative health services contribute to the increased incidence of illness
in homeless children. Poor nutrition is also a major factor in the health of
any child. Homeless children are often hungry and malnourished, living on whatever
food is available. Meals are often comprised of packaged and refined foods with
very few vegetables, fruits, protein and whole grains.
Psychological and Developmental Problems
Homeless children are more apt than other children to be
depressed, suffer from anxiety related disorders or be withdrawn and non-expressive.
In a study of homeless preschoolers, Molnar (1988) stated that homeless children
under five years of age demonstrated a very short attention span, delayed motor
skills, inappropriate social behavior, speech delays and aggression. Homeless
children often have a hard time adapting in school or social settings. School
records indicate that homeless children have a higher rate of repeated grades
than their peers who are not homeless. This could be due to the fact that they
are often in and out of school because of illness or moving around. It is very
clear that children growing up without the stability of a home are at a much
greater developmental disadvantage than other children from a very early age.
How You Can Help
Homeless children are victims and should be treated as such.
They are unable to help themselves and should in no way have to suffer the
consequences of homelessness. If you have a local shelter in your area,
consider sponsoring a child. Donate money or food to make sure that the child
is well fed and receives adequate medical attention. You can also donate money
or food to help a pregnant homeless woman. Adequate prenatal care is critical
to the mother and child’s health. Recruit local businesses to sponsor children
and lobby politicians to raise awareness regarding homeless children in your
area. While it is one thing to feel sad for suffering children it is quite
another to rise and face the cause head on. Very few battles have ever been won
while sitting on hands!
About the Author: Susan Patterson is a homeschooling mother
and freelance writer with an interest in social problems. She has written a
number of articles regarding social service agencies and tools that they can
use such as homeless shelter software to run a more efficient shelter.
Resources:
http://www.visionlink.org/homeless-management.html
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