Family Homelessness: A Multi-System Dilemma

Homeless families are very different from homeless single men and women. They are characterized by some as the hidden homeless and by others as the fastest growing homeless subgroup in the U.S. This presentation describes the characteristics (and definitions) of homeless children and families, identifies the different systems with which they come in contact, explores study findings on met and unmet service needs, and discusses opportunities for intervention.

Cheryl Zlotnick, RN, DrPH is the Director of the Center for the Vulnerable Child (CVC) and a Clinical Scientist at Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland, and Adjunct Associate Professor at Samuel Merritt University. Dr. Zlotnick is a registered nurse and licensed clinical nurse specialist. Her master's and doctorate are in public health from Johns Hopkins University, School of Hygiene and Public Health. Dr. Zlotnick began working with homeless populations in 1984 as a clinical nurse specialist and team coordinator. Since then, her work with homeless populations has included a variety of roles such as evaluator, program director, manager and researcher. At the CVC, Dr. Zlotnick is responsible for more than 50 staff and trainees who work with families living in the cycle of homelessness including children who are at risk of homelessness and children living in foster care. She has had several federal, county and foundation grants and contracts that support research studies and clinical programs benefiting families who have experienced homelessness. Findings from her research and clinical programs have been presented at professional meetings and in peer-reviewed articles in the fields of public health, nursing, medicine, psychology, and substance abuse.

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