Evaluation of an Intervention for Children Experiencing Homelessness

This study evaluated a two-part intervention provided during a summer program for children experiencing homelessness. First, teachers and the mental health team implemented a behavior management system to reinforce positive classroom behaviors. Second, a team of undergraduate and graduate students delivered mental health promotion services during classroom and small group activities. Mothers' and teachers' ratings indicated that the children's emotional and behavioral functioning was within normal limits and did not change over the course of the program. Mothers reported higher than normal levels of family distress. Lower school achievement was related to poor behavioral and emotional functioning and attrition. Strategies to ensure that “low achievers” and children with behavior problems do not drop out of summer programs need to be developed; shelters or schools may be optimal settings for providing family-focused interventions for this population.