 | Homeless Children : Problems and Needs An increasing number of families are becoming homeless, often as a result of domestic violence, which leaves women and their school age children without homes. This multidisciplinary volume is the first to look at the variety of problems encountered by this group and to propose strategies for managing those problems. The contributors to this book provide evidence that homeless children often have more acute problems and needs than other children; as a result of the insecurity of their situation, they may experience physical health problems and developmental delay. They are also at high risk of emotional and behavioural difficulties such as sleep disturbance, eating problems, aggression, over-activity, anxiety, depression and self-harm. At the same time, due to their unstable situation, they are less able to access support from the health, education and social services. Panos Vostanis is Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Leicester. He has developed mental health services for homeless children and young people in care. He has published on the psycho-social aspects of several child psychiatric disorders. Together with Stuart Cumella, he has completed epidemiological research on the needs of homeless children and their families. Stuart Cumella is Senior Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham. He has worked in social work and social research. He has contributed to several reviews by the Health Advisory Service, including its report on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services. |
