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Identifying Unmet Mental Health Needs in Children of Formerly Homeless Mothers Living in a Supportive Housing Community Sector of Care

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Abstract

This study reports psychosocial characteristics of a sample of 111 children (K to 2nd grade) and their mothers who were living in urban supportive housings. The aim of this study was to document the various types and degree of risk endemic to this population. First, we describe the psychosocial characteristics of this homeless sample. Second, we compared this homeless sample with a grade-matched, high-risk, school-based sample of children (n = 146) who were identified as showing early symptoms of disruptive behaviors. Third, we compared the parents in both samples on mental health, parenting practices, and service utilization. Results showed that children living in supportive housing were in the at-risk range and had comparable levels of externalizing problems, internalizing problems, school problems and emotional strengths with the school-based risk sample receiving prevention services at a family support community agency. Mothers in supportive housing reported significantly higher psychological distress, less optimal parenting practices and greater service utilization. These findings are among the first to provide empircal support for the need to deliver prevention interventions in community sectors of care.

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Notes

  1. Selection of the two centers was an executive decision made by PUC administrators. Issues factored into the decision included (a) selection of one site in south Minneapolis and one site in north Minneapolis to maximize recruitment of eligible participants, (b) selection of sites with previous experience implementing the Early Risers program, and (c) selection of sites with sufficient resources and staff to implement the program.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by grants to Gerald J. August from the National Institute of Mental Health (MH074610 and MH016067). The authors would like to thank Ms. Nicole Morrell, the project manager, for her major contribution to this effort.

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Correspondence to Gerald J. August.

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Lee, S.S., August, G.J., Gewirtz, A.H. et al. Identifying Unmet Mental Health Needs in Children of Formerly Homeless Mothers Living in a Supportive Housing Community Sector of Care. J Abnorm Child Psychol 38, 421–432 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-009-9378-1

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