Children who are homeless are at risk for experiencing many complicating issues that impact their physical and emotional health. Unfortunately, this impact can have long term, cumulative effects over the course of a lifetime. The earlier we can support successful interventions to prevent or end homelessness, the better the outcomes will be for children and their families.
The impact of homelessness on child development occurs before a child is born. Pregnant women who are homeless are at higher risk of experiencing a lack of prenatal care, poor nutrition, and chronic stress; all of which can impact the development of their baby. These infants are more likely to have a low birth rate, to not receive regular check-ups and immunizations, and to live in a stressful environment. All of these are risk factors for a child not developing optimally, particularly the elements of a stressful environment, and can have an adverse impact on brain development.
[For more of this story, written by Chloe Learey, go to http://www.reformer.com/column...ss-child-development]
Comments (1)