Homelessness pathways for Australian single mothers and their children : An exploratory study

Journal article


Warburton, Wayne, Whittaker, Elizabeth and Papic, Marina. (2018). Homelessness pathways for Australian single mothers and their children : An exploratory study. Societies. 8(1), p. Article 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc8010016
AuthorsWarburton, Wayne, Whittaker, Elizabeth and Papic, Marina
Abstract

There is increasing concern about family homelessness. Homeless mothers and their children are one of society’s most disadvantaged and at-risk populations. However, very little Australian research exploring mothers’ views on their homelessness experiences exists. Using semi-structured interviews with 14 mothers and four agency staff, this study explored homeless Australian mothers’ pathways into and out of homelessness, their specific needs and the services and supports that were (or would have been) most helpful. In this sample of single mothers and their children, early experiences of homelessness and domestic violence contributed most commonly to homelessness episodes. Almost immediate engagement with welfare agencies seemed to be protective against re-experiencing homelessness, however Australian restrictions on length of program involvement and limited housing options for mothers exiting homelessness programs, may place such mothers and their children at high risk of re-entering homelessness. Younger mothers had greater needs and benefited most from personalised one-on-one support that addressed key parenting and life skills. The implications of these findings are considered in relation to service delivery to this vulnerable group and avenues for future research are noted.

Keywordshomeless; mothers; children; service providers; qualitative research; Australia
Year2018
JournalSocieties
Journal citation8 (1), p. Article 16
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI AG)
ISSN2075-4698
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.3390/soc8010016
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85089987048
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range1-22
Publisher's version
License
File Access Level
Open
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online05 Mar 2018
Publication process dates
Accepted27 Feb 2018
Deposited24 May 2022
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https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8xwyw/homelessness-pathways-for-australian-single-mothers-and-their-children-an-exploratory-study

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