AMERICA/UNITED STATES - 2 and a half million children live in shelters, on the streets or in cars

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Washington (Agenzia Fides) - A report of the National Center for Homeless Families (NCFH) revealed that, in America, last year 2.5 million children were living in shelters, on the streets, in cars, or in fields unattended. The document, entitled "More and more marginalized young people in the United States", shows that between 2012 and 2013, the number of homeless children in the United States increased by 8% reaching its highest ever recorded level, according to data of the American Institutes for Research (AIR). The phenomenon is particularly serious in California, with nearly 527 000 homeless children, although the figure could reach 300 million, Alabama and Mississippi. While in Minnesota, Nebraska and Massachusetts fewer minors live on the streets. The main causes that lead to this situation, is the high rates of poverty, lack of affordable housing, racial disparities, the problems of single mothers, domestic violence and other traumatic experiences, in addition to the lingering effects of the recession. The report carried out by the NCFH indicates a number of possible solutions to curb the problem, which provide safe and affordable housing, education and employment opportunities for parents, integral evaluation of the needs of each family member. It also proposes the detection, prevention and treatment of depression regarding mothers, support for the growth of children, and research to identify programs and services based on the experience gained. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2014)


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