Iowa BEST: Behavioral, Equitable, Social-Emotional, Trauma-Informed Health in Sc

Experiencing homelessness can be life-altering for any individual, but for children and young adults the consequences are particularly noteworthy. Children and young adults living in homeless situations often experience increased aggression, lower self-esteem, and increased rates of poor behavior when compared to their non-homeless peers (Samuels, Shinn, & Buckner, 2010). Further, important developmental experiences, such as socialization, are compromised due to the often isolating experience of homelessness. The purpose of this presentation, therefore, is to explore homelessness and to offer participants (both school professionals and invested community members) strategies for broaching the topic of homelessness with students.