ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the definition of "homelessness" found in multiple federal laws. While child homelessness in the United States often lurks in the shadows, it is a grave and growing problem, with chilling consequences for children. Child and youth homelessness in the United States is primarily a consequence of large numbers of people living in poverty and unable to meet their basic expenses exacerbated by health and other service-related factors. Domestic violence also is a significant contributing factor to family homelessness. Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines violence against children to include "all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse". The Homeless Children and Youth Act would reduce the violence of child and youth homelessness. However, to overcome homelessness in the long-term, education must be a central element of a holistic, systemic solution.
