Homeless Children In America Essay Example For Students

Homeless Children In America Essay Justin Siersma A29851780 SW 200 4/21/2005 Homeless Children In America Essay To be homeless is to not have a home or a permanent place of residence. Nationwide, there is estimated to be 3.5 million people that are homeless, and roughly 1.35 million of them are children. It is shown that homeless rates, which are the number of sheltered beds in a city divided by the cities population, have tripled since the 1980s (National Coalition for Homeless, 2002). Homeless children are up to three times more susceptible to health problems than those of normal children. Acute disorders, such as lice infestations, to major health risks such as nutritional deficiencies and upper respiratory infections are five to ten times more likely to develop while being a homeless child. When it comes to homeless youth, an amazing 14% of girls aged 13 to 15 were pregnant since being homeless (Kryder-Coe, 1991). Sexually transmitted diseases are also seven to eight times more likely to be contracted by homeless youth than normal youths. Alcohol and substance abuse, as well as severe psychotic disorders, are somewhat common in homeless children, but almost nonexistent among normal children. Child Welfare Services (CWS) major focus is on the safety and well being of a homeless child. Their goal is to help courts expedite permanent placement for children through programs such as the Court Improvement Program and the Foster Care Review Board Program. They also dea l with cases involving abused and neglected children, and have the authority to take children away from their parents if either of these two are proven. For many children, the lack of adequate housing is a major factor in their entry into the public child welfare system. Social work has a strong relationship with this problem of homeless children and the Child Welfare Services. CWS directly deals with homeless children, helping them stay in their own safe home if it is determined to be so, or helping place them in a relatives home or even foster care. Many social work organizations are geared to help children not only nationally, but worldwide as well. Amnesty International protects the rights and well