Homelessness and Poverty in Childhood

Hello and happy Memorial Day to you all.

I have not received the information from my friend Wendy about how poverty can affect her work in the UK.  That is perfectly OK  Because that means I get to talk to you about poverty in the local context.   In the application for this week we had to look at three resources in the area where we live and interview people involved with identifying poverty in children and families.  

The common perception of poverty is that of the homeless person in the street, the drunk or drug addict or bag lady  on the corner.  At this time 1.1 million children are homeless and living in poverty. (Institute for Children Poverty and Homelessness)  In a rural area there is the perception that poverty and homelessness does  not exist in the immediate vicinity.  The truth is the poverty is not seen in the way it is perceived.  Many times children who are school age go to school and never tell anyone they are living in their van.  Unless a teacher becomes aware of traits of homelessness in children they may miss the signs.

 Here is the list of things we as educators can look for.  http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/briefs/identification.pd 

Note: While these are considered common signs,
please recognize that they only offer general guidance.
There is significant variability within the school-age
homeless population. Individual students may differ
significantly from the following general characteristics.
Lack of Continuity in Education
■ Attendance at many different schools
■ Lack of records needed to enroll
■ Inability to pay fees
■ Gaps in skill development
■ Mistaken diagnosis of abilities
■ Poor organizational skills
■ Poor ability to conceptualize
Poor Health/Nutrition
■ Lack of immunizations and/or immunization
records
■ Unmet medical and dental needs
■ Respiratory problems
■ Skin rashes
■ Chronic hunger (may hoard food)
■ Fatigue (may fall asleep in class)
Transportation and Attendance Problems
■ Erratic attendance and tardiness
■ Numerous absences
■ Lack of participation in after-school activities
■ Lack of participation in field trips
■ Inability to contact parents
Poor Hygiene
■ Lack of shower facilities/washers, etc.
■ Wearing same clothes for several days
■ Inconsistent grooming
Lack of Personal Space After School
■ Consistent lack of preparation for school
■ Incomplete or missing homework (no place to
work or keep supplies)
■ Unable to complete special projects (no access to
supplies)
■ Lack of basic school supplies
■ Loss of books and other supplies on
a regular basis
■ Concern for safety of belongings
Social and Behavioral Concerns
■ A marked change in behavior
■ Poor/short attention span
■ Poor self-esteem
■ Extreme shyness
■ Unwillingness to risk forming
relationships with peers and teachers
■ Difficulty socializing at recess
■ Difficulty trusting people
■ Aggression
■ “Old” beyond years
■ Protective of parents
■ Clinging behavior
■ Developmental delays
■ Fear of abandonment
■ School phobia (student wants to
be with parent)
■ Anxiety late in the school day
Reaction/Statements by Parent, Guardian, or 
Child 
■ Exhibiting anger or embarrassment when asked
about current address
■ Mention of staying with grandparents, other
relatives, friends, or in a motel, or comments, such
as
■ “I don’t remember the name of the last school.”
■ “We’ve been moving around a lot.”
■ “Our address is new; I can’t remember it”
■ “We’re staying with relatives until we get
settled.”
■ “We’re going through a bad time.”

What does a teacher do if she realizes a student may be homeless.  Most schools have a liaison to bridge the gap between school, family and the services they need.  The liaison is the first line of help the teacher and child have.  
The following is a great resource for learning more on how to help a student who may be homeless
http://homeless.center-school.org/providers/290/blue_book_final.pdf

and another source
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/principals/nassp_homeless.aspx

I hope to have Wendy's conversation up soon.  Until then have a great holiday weekend