FREE Access to Full Text: This is an introduction and overview to the "Special Section on Parenting and Homelessness", guest edited by the Homelessness Resource Center and published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Vol 79, July 2009.

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This overview of parenting and homelessness includes the characteristics and needs of families who are homeless, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by mothers, fathers, and children. In addition, the authors discuss how home less families are narrowly defined based on the family members who present at shelters and other service programs. In order to fully support parents and their children as they exit homelessness, homeless service programs should consider the broader context of the nontraditional family system and support networks. The overview also includes common challenges to parenting while homeless, a summary of the articles in the Special Section, and recommendations for research, practice, and policy. (authors)

The Homelessness Resource Center is providing open access to the "Special Section on Parenting and Homelessness" published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. Please take the time to read each of the articles within this special section (see "Related Items" to the right). You can earn 10 Continuing Education Credits by reading these articles and completing an examination. In addition to the article please find the Continuing Education Credits form attached.