Homeless Women, Parents, and Children: A Triangulation Approach Analyzing Factors Influencing Homelessness and Child Separation

Many homeless women become separated from their children. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of entering a shelter with or without children and predictors of being separated from one or more children. Further, the authors also seek to understand the unique experience of homeless mothers separated from children. Findings suggest that women with mental illnesses and those separated from children are less likely to enter the shelter with children. Special needs were not significant predictors for being separated from any children. Focus group findings elucidate the pain separated mothers endure.