NCHE - Potential Warning Signs of Homelessness











Share this webpage \|
Potential Warning Signs of Homelessness The warning signs listed below are common signs of homelessness among students, however, there is significant variability within the school-age homeless population. Individual students may differ greatly from the general characteristics listed below. Download this information in a PDF file. (87K) Lack of Continuity in Education Attendance at many different schools Lack of personal records needed to enroll Inability to pay fees Gaps in skill development Mistaken diagnosis of abilities Poor organizational skills Poor ability to conceptualize Poor Health/Nutrition Lack of immunizations and/or immunization records Unmet medical and dental needs Increased vulnerability to colds and flu Respiratory problems Skin rashes Chronic hunger (may horde food) Fatigue (may fall asleep in class) Transportation and Attendance Problems Erratic attendance and tardiness Numerous absences Lack of participation in after-school activities Lack of participation in field trips Absences on days when students bring special treats from home Inability to contact parents Poor Hygiene Lack of shower facilities/washers, etc. Wearing same clothes for several days Inconsistent grooming – well-groomed one day, poorly groomed the next Lack of Privacy/Personal Space After School Consistent lack of preparation for school Incomplete or missing homework (no place to work or keep supplies) Unable to complete special projects (no access to supplies) Lack of basic school supplies Loss of books and other supplies on a regular basis Concern for safety of belongings Refusing invitations from classmates Social and Behavioral Concerns A marked change in behavior Poor/short attention span Poor self esteem Extreme shyness Unwillingness to risk forming relationships with peers and teachers Difficulty socializing at recess Difficulty trusting people Aggression "Old" beyond years Protective of parents Clinging behavior Developmental delays Fear of abandonment School phobia (student wants to be with parent) Need for immediate gratification Anxiety late in the school day Reactions/Statements by Parent, Guardian, or Child Exhibiting anger or embarrassment when asked about current address Mention of staying with grandparents, other relatives, friends, or in a motel Comments such as: "I don't remember the name of our previous school." "We've been moving around a lot." "Our address is new; I can't remember it." (may hide lack of permanent address) "We're staying with relatives until we get settled." "We're going through a bad time right now." "We've been unpacking, traveling, etc." (to explain poor appearance and/or hygiene) (These warning signs were adapted from flyers developed by the Illinois and Pennsylvania Departments of Education.) To view .pdf files, you must have the Adobe Reader program, available for free downloading at http://www.adobe.com/


NCHE Home \| About NCHE \| What's New? \| NCHE Products and Resources \| Legislation Information by Topic \| Online Forum \| State/Local Resources \| Best Practices \| Disaster Planning Site Map \| Search The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) is associated with The SERVE Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Education, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. This website was produced with funding from the U.S. Department of Education, on contract no. ED-01-CO-0092/0001.