Housing Decisions Among Homeless Families Involved in the Child Welfare System. Issue 2 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rufa, Anne K.; Fowler, Patrick J.
• Is Part Of: Housing policy debate. Volume 28:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 285
• Page End: 298
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Homelessness -- permanent housing -- child welfare -- housing decision-making; Housing policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Housing -- United States -- Finance -- Periodicals; Housing policy; Public housing -- Finance; United States; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.58097305
• DOI: 10.1080/10511482.2017.1365256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-1482

Abstract

Abstract: The present study embedded a qualitative substudy within a randomized controlled trial of housing services for child welfare-involved families to examine housing decisions made in the face of homelessness and child protection. Participants included a representative sample of caregivers ( n = 19) randomized to receive the Family Unification Program—a permanent housing intervention for inadequately housed families under investigation for child abuse or neglect—or child welfare services as usual. Qualitative interviews 12 months after randomization assessed housing decision-making processes involved in keeping families safe and stable. Results indicated a push–pull dynamic that constrained housing choices regardless of whether permanent housing was made available. Caregiver housing decisions were constrained by time limitations, affordability, and access to services, whereas child and family safety was perceived as less important. Findings emphasize the need for housing-informed child welfare services to ensure the long-term safety of children in families experiencing homelessness.