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The impact of the crisis on homelessness in Spain: social intervention in a context of greater need and fewer resources
- Authors:
- MARQUEZ Gorka Moreno, URRAZA Xabier Aierdi
- Journal article citation:
- European Journal of Social Work, 19(1), 2016, pp.31-45.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The purpose of this article is to deepen the understanding of the impact of the social and economic crisis on homeless people in Spain. To this end we present the results of research carried out prior to the crisis and later updated in the midst of the economic recession, underscoring the main results obtained in both periods and tracing their evolution. The number of homeless people in Spain has risen as a result of the crisis. Moreover, while some characteristics of this group remain the same, others have changed. Hence, difficulties in access to the labour market and cuts in certain economic benefits are resulting in an increase in the duration of social inclusion processes. This results in a worsening of the personal situation of the homeless, especially in relation to mental illness and substance abuse. The immigrant population is the group most affected by these impacts. The situation clearly demonstrates the need to reflect on how to deal with the problem of homelessness in Spain, and to rethink the way professionals intervene, especially during periods of economic recession. (Publisher abstract)
Previous homelessness as a risk factor for recovery from serious mental illnesses
- Authors:
- CASTELLOW Jennifer, KLOOS Bret, TOWNLEY Greg
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 51(6), 2015, pp.674-684.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This paper argues that the experience of homelessness is inherently traumatic and thus has the potential to affect the manifestation of mental illness. The experiences related to being homeless might act as specific and unique sources of vulnerability. This study included 424 people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses living in supported housing programmes in South Carolina. Three hierarchical regression analyses measuring the impact of homelessness on three types of outcomes revealed the following: (1) ever experiencing homelessness as well as the amount of time spent homeless were related to higher levels of psychiatric distress, (2) ever experiencing homelessness was related to higher levels of reported alcohol use, and (3) total amount of time spent homeless was related to lower perceived recovery from mental illness. These findings suggest that experiencing homelessness might contribute to psychosocial vulnerability to negative mental health outcomes. (Edited publisher abstract)
Tackling homelessness and exclusion: understanding complex lives
- Author:
- MCDONAGH Theresa
- Publisher:
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 15p.
- Place of publication:
- York
Homelessness is often something that is inextricably linked with complex and chaotic life experiences. Mental health problems, drug and alcohol dependencies, street culture activities and institutional experiences are often closely linked with the more extreme experiences of homelessness. This paper explores evidence collected as part of the Multiple Exclusion Homelessness (MEH) Research Programme. The programme provides a statistically robust account of MEH in seven UK cities, alongside evidence from the life histories and accounts of people with first-hand experience of MEH and reflections from front-line workers, managers and commissioners. The paper looks at services for people with complex needs and suggests ways that policy and practice can more effectively tackle homelessness. Key points show that most complex needs were experienced by homeless men aged between 20 and 49, and especially by those in their 30s. Where homelessness and housing support agencies take on primary responsibility for supporting people with multiple and complex needs, workers can often feel isolated and out of their depth. It has been suggested that housing support workers are now filling the gap left by the retreat of social workers from direct work with adults. The paper concludes that there needs to be an integrated response across health, housing and social care.
No fixed abode: the housing struggle for young people leaving custody in England
- Authors:
- GLOVER Jane, CLEWETT Naomi
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 54p.
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
Young people in custody are some of the most vulnerable in society, a quarter have special educational needs, 40% have been homeless and almost 20% have depression. This research set out to examine the realities of accommodation and support for young people leaving custody by following their resettlement journeys. It also examined whether adaptations to statutory guidance in recent years have had an impact, and to understand the cost savings that could be made if young people are better supported on release. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 15 young people in a secure estate, and 27 professionals about the challenges of ensuring that young people in the secure estate are supported into suitable accommodation. For each young person, a case study is presented. Children and young people as young as 13 are being placed back with families unable to cope and with little support – resulting in homelessness some months after release. The research concluded that supported accommodation could provide savings of more than £67,000 per child over a three year period.
Risk factors for tenancy breakdown for mentally ill people
- Authors:
- SLADE Mike, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 8(4), August 1999, pp.361-371.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
People with mental health problems are at risk of tenancy breakdown. This study investigates the risk factors associated with a loss of tenancy. Four risk factors were identified: lack of support following a crisis; regular contact with services; lapses of housing benefit following hospital admission; and having no support other than the specialist resettlement team. The implications of these risk factors are discussed.
The associations between mental illness and homelessness among older people: an exploratory study
- Author:
- CRANE M.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 2(3), August 1998, pp.171-180.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Explores the role of mental illness in contributing to the entry to homelessness, and its prevalence among a sample of homeless older people. The results of an intensive field study which lasted for fifteen months found there was a high prevalence of mental illness among the subjects and this was a factor in the entry to homelessness in many cases. There were indications that some subjects with mental health problems became homeless because their needs had been neglected or undetected. Mental health problems also had an impact on the circumstances of older homeless people and affected their ability to seek and accept help. Concludes that more effective measures are needed to prevent homelessness amongst vulnerable older people.
Ending youth homelessness together: youth homelessness in the UK 2022: a short review
- Author:
- CENTREPOINT
- Publisher:
- Centrepoint
- Publication year:
- 2022
- Pagination:
- 26
- Place of publication:
- London
This scoping review sets out the case for why ending youth homelessness needs to be a public and political priority. The report focuses on the causes and impacts of youth homelessness on individuals, as well as its impact on wider society. Findings include: over the last five years, there has been a significant increase in the number of young people approaching local authorities for support; and one of the main causes of homelessness in England was due to relationship breakdowns leading to family no longer willing or able to accommodate young people (49%). Lack of support for those experiencing mental health issues was also noted as a cause of youth homelessness, with prevalence of poor mental health being significantly higher (88% of 90 participants taking part in the study) than the general population. Recommendations to reduce barriers for young people include: ensuring that young people are able to access the levels of income needed through employment or social security systems; and providing person-centred support through youth-focused support networks and organisations. (Edited publisher abstract)
Differential risks: how disability shapes risk in the transition to adulthood for youth who age out of foster care
- Author:
- MCCAULEY Erin
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 131, 2021, p.106293.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Objective: This study examines how disability is associated with risk during the transition to adulthood for youth who age out of foster care and considers how experiences in the child welfare system contribute to these associations. Background: The transition to adulthood is important for later socioeconomic standing, health, and wellbeing. Youth who age out of foster care with disabilities may require a high level of support during this transition yet may lack support. Method: This study employs linear probability models to estimate the association between disability and incarceration, homelessness, childbearing, and substance abuse between ages 17 and 21 using linked administrative data from the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (N = 5,221). Results: Having a physical or sensory disability is associated with lower risk in the transition to adulthood. Alternatively, having an emotional or mental related disability is associated with increased risk of incarceration and homelessness, but the association with homelessness is accounted for by child welfare experiences. Conclusion: Due to the importance of foster care and child protective histories in explaining some risky outcomes for youth with emotional and mental disabilities, policy makers and practitioners should include those early stages of care when seeking it improve outcomes in the transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities who age out of foster care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Harm reduction in a Norwegian housing first project: a qualitative study of the treatment providers’ practice
- Authors:
- ANDVIG Ellen Sofie, SAELOR Knut Tore, OGUNDIPE Esther
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 11(1), 2018, pp.4-15.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Little is known about how harm reduction is practiced in Norwegian housing first (HF) projects. The purpose of this paper is to explore, describe, and interpret how providers apply a harm reduction approach within a housing project focused on individuals who are homeless with co-morbid substance use and mental health problems. Design/methodology/approach: This qualitative study was part of a larger evaluation study of a three-year HF project in a Norwegian municipality. Data were collected using four multi-stage focus groups with five providers working in the HF project. Focus group interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Analysis resulted in three main themes: “Letting the service user sit in the driver’s seat,” “We don’t follow service provision contracts, we do everything,” and “Collaborating with the local community.” Research limitations/implications: There is a need to develop increased knowledge about service users’ experiences within the harm reduction approach. Practical implications: To practice effective harm reduction, treatment providers must have open authorisations and the opportunity to exercise professional judgement. Harm reduction practice must also focus on social, political, and economic factors influencing users’ everyday lives. Originality/value: The paper contributes to the knowledge base on harm reduction within HF practice that differs from a traditional model wherein clients are expected to abstain from substance use. It highlights important preconditions for challenges practitioners might encounter at both individual and service system levels. (Publisher abstract)
Homelessness and children's use of mental health services: a population-based study
- Authors:
- PARK Jung Min, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 34(1), January 2012, pp.261-265.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Research suggests that between 12% and 47% of children in homeless families experience mental health problems. Children in poverty, regardless of their housing status, share many of the same risk factors that contribute to their risk for mental disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate any additional risk for mental disorders that might be attributed to experiencing homelessness. Specifically, the study examined whether children who become homeless differ from other low-income children in their mental health service use before and after their first homeless episode, and to what extent homelessness is associated with an increased likelihood of mental health service use. Administrative records from a cohort of 3,011 sheltered and 162,810 housed Medicaid enrolled children in a large metropolitan area were examined over a 6 year period. Data was obtained of their Medicaid claims, shelter use, and child welfare history. Differences between children with and without new onset of sheltered homelessness in the use of mental health services emerged following homelessness and widened over time. Sheltered homelessness and foster care placement history were associated with increased odds of receiving inpatient and ambulatory mental health services. The findings underscore the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate family homelessness and collateral needs among homeless children.