Impact of Homelessness on Child Education

Educating the youth in America affects the economy and our future. The National Center on Family Homelessness (2010) reported during the 2005-2006 school year that an estimated 1.16 million children did not graduate from high school. Research shows that dropouts are more likely to be less healthy, die young, become parents at a young age, interact with the criminal justice system, need social assistance, and their children are more likely to become dropouts (Amos, 2008). According to the Alliance for Excellent Education (2011), the number of students that dropped out of Tennessee high schools from the class of 2010 was 28,200 students.

Broadbent (2008) noted that the primary barrier homeless youth experience is maintaining the link to education. Broadbent also indicated that necessary life skills, such as acquiring housing, food, clothing, and cognitive skills are lacking in homeless children. Schliesman (2003) identified programs to assist adolescents with supplemental income, basic needs, and counseling. Coates and Mckenzie-Mohr (2010) noted that homeless youth need other assistance in addition to shelter and counseling. Although assistance would enhance their present quality of life, a high school diploma is needed to attain a job and enrich the financial outlook for homeless persons.

Educational barriers and dropout rates impact the potential future earnings of homeless children. Israel, Toro, and Oullette (2010) noted that homeless persons have a lower income level than poor people who have never experienced homelessness. The impact of earning a high school diploma is likely to improve the financial future of an individual that has suffered homelessness (Day, 2011; Greenstone & Looney, 2011). If youths dropout of high schoo...

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