Research demonstrates a correlation between housing and child welfare involvement. In 2010, approximately 254,000 children entered the foster care system.

Although the correlation between child welfare and inadequate housing/homelessness is poorly understood, it seems to exist in overlapping constructs. Child welfare systems would benefit from an understanding of how housing supports can help keep families together. Housing and homeless systems would benefit from an understanding of what service models and interventions will be most effective in sustaining safe and stable housing. Additional supports to address mental illness and/or substance abuse are also often necessary to improve outcomes for children and families in either system.

This meeting will bring together federal research staff, researchers, and philanthropic partners for a one-day working session to examine the current body of research on this topic, identify gaps in the research, and brainstorm about strategies for addressing those gaps.

This meeting is co-sponsored by HUD and HHS, and supported by Casey Family Programs.