New Study Tracks Rise of Homeless Children and Babies

We have found that data on babies and expectant parents experiencing homelessness are inadequate across key federal and state data systems. Nearly 86,000 children in California up to age 3 are estimated to have experienced homelessness in 2023-24, according to a new analysis by SchoolHouse Connection and Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan. 

Only about 12,000 of those children were enrolled in early learning programs. Programs where staff members are able to identify children experiencing homelessness and provide critical services key for their long-term development.  Only 14% of the youngest children experiencing homelessness are enrolled in these programs, the state is not set up to accurately identify or even reach most of these children.  While a key concern for parents is losing their child to the foster care system if they report their homeless status.

Solving infant and toddler homelessness requires action across early childhood, housing, homelessness, health care, and data systems. A key recommendation of the study is to offer specific examples and recommendations by local, state, and federal programs.  The goal is to increase access to early childhood development programs and support services nationwide.