The Impact of Upstream Prevention of Homelessness on the Educational and Developmental Outcomes of Children and Youth

Project Summary

Boston College School of Social Work (BCSSW) and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay (UW) are collaborating to respond to family homelessness in Massachusetts and its negative impact on child and adolescent outcomes. Our goal is to improve outcomes for families experiencing housing instability through a coordinated approach to research and translation of findings to practitioners and policymakers. We are collaborating with one of UW’s partner agencies, FamilyAid, on a new initiative – the Early Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (EHIP) pilot program. This program leverages connections with the Boston Public Schools to identify families at high risk of homelessness and intervenes before children and youth are exposed to the trauma and disruption of eviction. The partnership uses quasi-experimental approaches to

(1) evaluate the effectiveness of the EHIP program on child and youth academic and socioemotional outcomes and

(2) generate evidence on reliable indicators of the risk of homelessness. We are also using multiple techniques to elicit insights around the complexity of housing instability and service provision, as well as how best to adapt EHIP and our research-practice approach to address homelessness, socioemotional wellbeing, and educational outcomes.

Approach & Goals

We are co-producing knowledge and tools using multiple techniques, including quasi-experimental methods, surveys, analysis of administrative data, in-depth interviews, and Community-Based System Dynamics —a participatory approach that engages communities in understanding and changing systems.

Measurement & Metrics

Key outcome measures include child and youth social and emotional well-being and academic engagement. The study will draw on multiple data sources, including Boston Public Schools administrative data, FamilyAid assessment data, and baseline and follow-up survey data.

Publications & Presentations