Child and Partner Transitions among Families Experiencing Homelessness

Families living in emergency shelters may experience instability, such as parents becoming separated from their children or partners. This Abt Associates report, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation details these family transitions. Using data from 2,282 homeless families who participated in the Family Options Study, the researchers found that about 30 percent of families living in shelters reported separation from at least one family member. Even 20 months after leaving a shelter, 24% of families reported that at least one of their children was not living with them. The researchers recommend that emergency shelters should consider whether their current policies allow families to stay together in shelters, and to realize that families are dynamic and their needs may change over time.