Child Homelessness and the Township

FIRST RULE OF THUMB: DON'T MAKE IT WORSE

One of the Township's responsibilities is responding to requests for assistance with rent or mortgage.  We carefully evaluate the household's situation and, if children are in the household, their security factors into our decision.  Further, I believe that the Township has a responsibility NOT to contribute to the homeless population.  Especially when children are involved.  Hence, my interest this morning when I saw in the paper an article about a new report out on child homelessness and well-being, which has been issued by the National Center on Family Homelessness. 

The report is called America's Youngest Outcasts and can be found on their website.

It's great that the Township can choose to keep a roof over a child's head for one more month, but that's not enough.  Here is the Center recommends for effectively addressing child homelessness and well-being, with which I agree:

Effective responses to child homelessness must include:
• Safe, affordable housing.
• Comprehensive needs assessments of all family members.
• Family-oriented services that incorporate trauma-informed care.
• Identification, prevention, and treatment of major depression in mothers.
• Parenting supports for mothers.
• Education and employment opportunities for parents.
• Further research to identify evidence-based programs and services for children and families.