Welcome to Unit 9 The Homeless Deborah LaBarca, CMSW, MBA

Tonight is our final seminar together. Please remember to download the entire E-book for future use. Unit 9

Who are the Homeless?

The Homeless The Federal Government’s definition of homeless: An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence… Counting the homeless – it is difficult to get an accurate head count Why? On average, 650,000 individuals experience homelessness on any given night

Who are the Homeless? What causes homelessness? Who is most likely to become homeless and why?

Who are the Homeless? Recent studies conducted in the 1990s revealed a tendency to blame the poor for their poverty However, research shows that social and structural issues are the primary cause of poverty. – Shortages in affordable housing – Significant increase in educational requirements for employment – Long-standing institutionalized discrimination – Increase in the complexity of life

Who are the Homeless? The early church and caring for the poor (remember we talked about the “deserving poor”?) The Middle Ages and the wandering poor (mostly men who migrated for employment) The Great Depression – almost everyone affected – Brought most people back to the understanding that poverty and homelessness can be caused by circumstances beyond one’s control

Who are the Homeless? Homelessness in the 1970’s and 1980’s – rise in homeless single parent families Study done in 1999 found: – Of all homeless families 80% were headed by a single parent – Of those, 95% were female

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness: Homelessness in the 1970’s and 1980’s – rise in homeless single parent families Study done in 1999 found: – Of all homeless families 80% were headed by a single parent – Of those, 95% were female

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness: Oversimplification of the causes of homelessness Most homeless, single mothers have never been married Only 20% of homeless people have been on public assistance, even though most would qualify. The court system not enforcing child support

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness: Children are the fastest growing population of homeless More complex problems and more needs The Invisible Youth Network: Homeless children Parenting in a homeless shelter Hours of operation for families Shelter rules and policies not made for families.

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness: Estimated 2 million adolescents are on the streets in the US Adolescents will more likely live on a street than in a homeless shelter. They run away from home or are kicked out of homes. Sexual exploitation They find each other and help one another to survive. Suspicious of adults Intervention programs

The Contemporary Picture of Homelessness: Just under 50% consists of men in the homeless population Childhood history of abuse Mental illness Substance abusers Veterans

The Elderly Fewer social supports Fewer family members Common age related physical issues Limited employment opportunities Increased vulnerability Financially victimized

The Role of the HS Professional Empower clients Address the needs of the entire family Judgment free Intervention and prevention Advocate for the needs of the homeless

Working with the Homeless Emergency Shelters Daytime drop in shelters Transitional housing programs Domestic violence shelters Public housing projects Case management Coordinators Volunteers to raise awareness: Invisible Youth Network

Questions to Discuss What are some of the risk factors for becoming homeless, and who are the most vulnerable? What are some of the laws and legislation set up to protect the homeless? Do you think they are effective? Why or why not? What are three careers in the field of human services working with individuals who are homeless? Give some background on the positions you discuss including some of the training and skills needed for the positions. Would you be interested in pursuing any of the careers you listed? Why or why not?

Assignments due for this weeks Discussion board- Post your main response and at least two responses to your classmates by Tuesday at midnight. Video Discussion board Attend Seminar Complete 1 Quiz by Tuesday at midnight (Remember to take advantage of the study guides in Doc Sharing and the practice quizzes). Final Assignment

Unit 9 Assignment Your Assignment for this unit gives you the opportunity to explore a human service setting and write a paper on your experience. You will apply the knowledge and strategies that you have acquired during this term to examine the responsibilities of a human service professional and the skills and education required for the position. You have two options for completing this assignment. Option 1: On-site visit to a human service agency Option 2: Describe a human service position in detail after viewing 3 videos.

Unit 9 Assignment The assignment for this unit is a Course Level Assessment (CLA) assignment. CLAs are used to measure your mastery of the skills and knowledge described by the course outcomes. There are 2 course outcomes that are measured by the Unit 9 assignment: 1)Describe the needs of the various populations served in the human services profession. 2) Explain the role of the human service professional in serving clients' needs.

CLA Rubric- Describe the needs of the various populations served in the human services profession. Not Assessed 9 No work is received by the instructor. No Progress 0 Student work demonstrates no understanding or progress toward achievement of these outcomes. Introductory 1 Student work defines some of the characteristics of some of the populations served by human service professionals. Emergent 2 Student work lists the basic needs of some of the populations served by human service professionals. Practiced 3 Student work describes the needs of certain populations, but does not clearly relate this information to understanding why this population is in need of intervention services. Proficient 4 Student work explains the needs of specific populations served by human service professionals. Mastery 5 Student work clearly describes and explains the needs of specific populations in detail and focuses on research and information learned in class.

CLA Rubric- Explain the role of the human service professional in serving clients' needs. Not Assessed 9 No work is received by the instructor. No Progress 0 Student work demonstrates no understanding or progress toward achievement of these outcomes. Introductory 1 Student states some of the basic roles of the human service professional. Emergent 2 Student states the basic roles of the human service professional and begins to reflect on the role of a human service professional in serving clients’ needs. Practiced 3 Student describes the role of the human service professional. Student reflects on the role of a human service professional in serving clients’ needs. Proficient 4 Student explains the role of the human service professional and relates it to material from class. Student makes an initial connection between the role of the human service professional and meeting a client’s needs. Mastery 5 Student work clearly identifies and explains the role of the human service professional and focuses on research and information learned in class. Student makes a clear connection between the role of the human service professional and meeting a client’s needs.

Final Questions Are there any final questions before we end seminar tonight. I want to thank all of you for a wonderful term. This is our last seminar for the term. See you all in the discussion boards.