HOMELESS MOTHERS AND CHILDREN: A POPULATION BASED STUDY

家庭无家可归的原因还没有得到严格的评估 设计的流行病学研究也没有对儿童的发育适应 无家可归的儿童得到了充分的记录。我们建议进行一项 在赠款期间进行观察性研究，以确定以下风险因素 并评估无家可归儿童的心理健康、社会-- 情绪功能和教育成就。在以下范围内确定- 儿童之间的群体差异，我们将同时关注风险和 缓和因素。 首先，一项基于人群的病例对照研究，对象是无家可归的母亲和 配对的寄宿母亲的比较组AFDC将在#年进行 马萨诸塞州伍斯特市。在感兴趣的变量中，有一些因素 母亲的童年(例如，主要依恋、家庭暴力)， 青春期和成年期(例如，精神疾病、药物滥用、家庭 暴力和支持网络)，这可能有助于或降低风险 无家可归的人。第二，评估条件的影响 关于无家可归的儿童，我们将比较无家可归的儿童和 病例对照研究中确定的寄宿母亲。最后，变化中的 将检查无家可归儿童的发展适应情况，以确定 风险和调节因素的相对贡献。变量应为 评估包括与成年人和同龄人的关系，以及儿童的 感知的能力、气质和应对资源。 这项研究的几个特点解决了以前研究的局限性。这个 拟议的研究规模大，而且是以人口为基础的。面试将会是 标准化以最大限度地减少信息偏差。标准仪器将是 同时用于母亲和儿童，变量将严格 已定义。所有相关的庇护所、学校、社会服务机构和 成功完成研究所需的社区成员已同意 参与进来。更好地了解无家可归和失业的危险因素 无家可归儿童的发展适应，关注 缓和影响，将产生资源分配建议 和预防性项目。

The causes for family homelessness have not been evaluated in rigorously designed epidemiologic studies nor has the developmental adaptation of homeless children been adequately documented. We propose to conduct an observational study during the grant period to determine risk factors for homelessness and to assess homeless childrens' mental health, socio- emotional functioning, and educational achievement. To determine within- group variation among the children, we will focus on both risk and moderating factors. First, a population-based case-control study of homeless mothers and a comparison group of matched housed mothers AFDC will be conducted in Worcester, Massachusetts. Among the variables of interest are factors in mothers' childhood (e.g., primary attachments, family violence), adolescence and adulthood (e.g., mental illness, substance abuse, family violence and support networks) that may contribute to or moderate the risk of homelessness. Second, to assess the influence of the condition of homelessness on children, we will compare the children of homeless and housed mothers identified in the case-control study. Finally, variations in developmental adaptation of homeless children will be examined to determine the relative contribution of risk and moderating factors. Variables to be assessed include relationships with adults and peers, and the child's perceived competence, temperament, and coping resources. Several features of the study address limitations of previous research. The proposed study is large and population-based. Interviews will be standardized to minimize information bias. Standard instruments will be used both for mothers and children and variables will be rigorously defined. All relevant shelters, schools, social service agencies, and community members required for the success of the study have agreed to participate. A better understanding of risk factors for homelessness and the developmental adaptations of homeless children, with attention to moderating influences, will lead to recommendations for resource allocation and preventive programs.