Impact of Family CTI on Homeless Children

The Impact of Family CTI on Homeless Children
June 2002

Principal Investigator: Judith Samuels, Ph.D. Co-PI: Mary Beth Shinn, Ph.D. (NYU)

PROJECT GOALS

This study aims to understand how an alternative method for providing services (Critical Time Intervention) and rapid housing placement for homeless families affects the mental health and behavior of homeless children over a 15-month period. The role of mediators of impact such as neighborhood risk, changes in mothers, and services to children will be investigated.

This study is companion to the study, Homeless Families in Westchester County.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS

This study will include approximately 488 homeless children in 300 families. We will employ multiple reporters (mothers, teachers/care givers, and children themselves), depending on both the outcome and the age of the child. Interviews will be conducted 3 months after the family is enrolled in the study with follow-ups at 9 and 15 months.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS/ POLICY IMPLICATIONS

While the SAMHSA funded main study concentrates on the outcomes of the mothers in the families, there are theory-driven reasons to believe that the major beneficiaries of the experiment intervention may be children.

PLANS

This study has been funded by NIMH, although the Center provided bridge funding to complete preliminary project tasks and train interview staff. Data collection began in May 2002 and will continue through May 2005. Plans include submission of another grant application to follow the children over a longer term.

Entered: 09/23/2002