Keywords

homelessness, homeless women, homeless families, child separation, homeless shelter, mother child separation, homeless mothers, poverty

Abstract

Homeless women and families are among the most disenfranchised groups in society. Further, because of their homelessness and associated problems, many homeless women become separated from their children. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects on predictors of entering a shelter with or without children (shelter status) and whether or not one is separated from one or more children (child separation status) on various special need predictors. A second objective was to determine the relationship between shelter status and child separation and to understand the unique experiences of homeless women who are separated from their children. These objectives were achieved via thematic analysis, quantitative methods and qualitative methods. Results suggest that shelter status significantly related to mental illness, drug abuse and domestic violence, but child separation status only significantly relates to drug abuse. The qualitative findings examined the origins of homelessness, child separation and the women's desires to be reunited with their children. Suggestions for further research and program changes are included.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2009

Advisor

Wright, James

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Sociology

Degree Program

Applied Sociology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0002526

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0002526

Language

English

Release Date

May 2009

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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Sociology Commons

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