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. 2024;9(1):162-172.
doi: 10.1080/23794925.2023.2169971. Epub 2023 Jan 31.

Mental health prevention and treatment programs for infants experiencing homelessness: A systematic review

Megan M Hare  1 , Taylor D Landis  1   2   3 , Melissa Hernandez  1 , Paulo A Graziano  1
Affiliations

Mental health prevention and treatment programs for infants experiencing homelessness: A systematic review

Megan M Hare et al. Evid Based Pract Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2024.

Abstract

Experiencing homelessness in infancy has been linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Parental well-being and the parent-infant relationship can also be negatively impacted by experiencing homelessness. While numerous parent-based infant mental health programs have been identified by a recent review, the goal of this study was to further determine the extent to which these existing programs were developed and/or examined with at-risk populations such as families experiencing homelessness. Out of 60 programs identified by Hare et al., in press, only three had been implemented specifically in shelter settings with infants 0-12 months (Parent-Infant Psychotherapy, New Beginnings, and My Baby's First Teacher). Additionally, when examining programs that began in later infancy (after 12 months), only 2 programs were implemented in shelter settings (Incredible Years and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy). Implications for research, policy, and clinicians regarding implementation of evidence-based prevention/treatment programs for parents and their infants experiencing homelessness are discussed.

Keywords: homelessness; infancy; mental health; prevention; review; shelter; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Compliance with Ethical Standards Disclosure statement: The authors report no conflicts of interest.

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