Finding their way home: children's experiences of homelessness

Investigators

Associate Professor Tim Moore, Dr Debbie Noble-Carr, Emeritus Professor Morag McArthur (Institute of Child Protection Studies, Australian Catholic University)

Funding

Commissioned by the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services

Aims

This project aimed to explore the personal experiences of children who have accompanied their parents during periods of homelessness within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The goal was to inform better outcomes for homeless families by incorporating children's voices into service design and policy development.

Background

Children experiencing homelessness face unique challenges that are often overlooked in policy and service provision. Understanding their perspectives is crucial for developing effective support systems.

Project details

A key focus of this project was on learning more about children's experiences, thoughts and feelings to gain insights on the issues affecting their lives. This filled an important gap in our understanding of children's experience of homelessness which had previously relied almost exclusively on adult reports.

Research questions

• What are the experiences of homelessness from the child's perspective, including their school experience?
• What are the impacts of homelessness on children's social and emotional development?
• What is the relationship between homelessness and child protection services?
• What are the service and policy implications of these experiences?

Method

• Conducted qualitative research involving interviews and focus groups with children who had experienced homelessness.
• Engaged with service providers and policymakers to contextualise findings.

Key findings

1. Identified the emotional and psychological impacts of homelessness on children, including feelings of instability and insecurity.
2. Highlighted the importance of maintaining education and social connections during periods of homelessness.
3. Emphasised the need for child-centered approaches in service delivery.

Publications

Moore, T., & McArthur, M. (2011). "Good for Kids": Children who have been homeless talk about school. Australian Journal of Education, 55(2), 147-160.

Moore, T., McArthur, M., & Noble-Carr, D. (2008). Down the hard road: young people and their experiences of homelessness as children. Parity, July.

Moore, T., McArthur, M., & Noble-Carr, D. (2008). Stuff you'd never think of: Children talk about homelessness and how they'd like to be supported. Family Matters, 78.

Moore, T., McArthur, M., & Noble-Carr, D. (2008). Too important to ignore: Children's views on homelessness. Parity, 21(8), 20-21

Moore, T., McArthur, M., & Noble-Carr, D. (2011). Lessons learned from children who have experienced homelessness: What services need to know.Children and Society, 25(2), 115-126.

Moore, T., Noble-Carr, D., & Barry, E. (2014). Child-Centred Practice. Research to Practice Series, Issue 7, September. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Moore, T., Noble-Carr, D., McArthur, M. (2007). Finding Their Way Home: Children's Experiences of Homelessness. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Noble-Carr, D. (2007). Engaging Children in Research on Sensitive Issues. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Noble-Carr, D. (2007). The Experiences and Effects of Family Homelessness for Children. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Practice resources

Moore, T., & Layton-Thomson, M, (2009). Kids Central. Canberra: Institute of Child Protection Studies, ACU.

Project timeline

Completed 2007

Contact

For more information contact: icps@acu.edu.au