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作者

来源

HOUSING POLICY DEBATE,Vol.28,Issue2,P.285-298

语言

英文

关键字

Homelessness; permanent housing; child welfare; housing decision-making; SERVICES; NEIGHBORHOOD; PROGRAM

作者单位

[Rufa, Anne K.] Depaul Univ, Dept Psychol, Chicago, IL 60604 USA. [Fowler, Patrick J.] Washington Univ, Brown Sch, St Louis, MO 63130 USA. Fowler, PJ (reprint author), Washington Univ, Brown Sch, St Louis, MO 63130 USA. E-Mail: pjfowler@wustl.edu

摘要

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 Programa permanent housing intervention for inadequately housed families under investigation for child abuse or neglector child welfare services as usual. Qualitative interviews 12months 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.