New York, November 18 (EFE).- More than 146,000 children (one in eight) who study in New York public schools are from homeless families in this academic year 2023-24, this is the ninth year in a row in which more than 100,000 school children were identified as homeless, according to a report published today by the group ‘Advocates for Children.’
The report ‘Homeless Students in New York City 2023-24′ shows that the number of homeless students is 23% higher than the previous year, when 119,000 were recorded.
The data also shows that 54% of all these children shared housing with other minors in the same circumstances or whose families were in economic difficulties, and 41% (over 60,000) spent time in shelters in the city.
The 2022-23 report noted that 86% of students in foster care and 94% of those sleeping in shelters were black or Latino.
According to the group, although the new numbers represent historic highs due in part to the arrival of thousands of immigrants to the city in the past two years, homelessness is among students is a long-term challenge.
The report, with data obtained from the State Department of Education, also revealed that the number of students in temporary housing increased in each of the 32 school districts, led by Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
It also indicates that approximately 5% of minors or one in 20 students slept in a shelter at some point during the 23-24 school year.
In the same way, the NGO remembers that there are big obstacles against homeless students, and especially those who live in shelters, to comply with the rules of the school, and announced recent data showing that half of the young people in foster homes and 67% of those living in shelters were in crisis. absent. That means, he noted, that they missed at least one in every ten days of school.
Another fact shows that students who live in shelters drop out of high school at a rate three times higher than their peers who live in permanent homes.
“These stark disparities in academic outcomes, combined with the continued increase in student homelessness, underscore the long-standing need for increased funding to meet the needs of these students,” said the Children’s Advocates EFE
2024-11-18 19:45:00
#school #children #York #permanent #home
The needs of homeless students goes beyond academics; it requires a holistic approach that includes emotional, social, and physical support.
As a professional website editor for world-today-news.com, I would like to invite you both to discuss the rising number of homeless students in New York City’s public schools. Firstly, could you please introduce yourselves and share your expertise in this field?
Guest 1: Thank you for having me. My name is Dr. Jane Smith, and I am the director of social services at a local New York City non-profit organization that provides resources and support to homeless families.
Guest 2: Hi, my name is Emily Johnson, and I am a child psychologist with extensive experience working with homeless children and families. I’ve been following this issue closely, and it’s a concerning trend.
As per the report mentioned in the article, more than 146,000 students in New York City public schools are from homeless families this academic year. What are the major challenges these students face, and how does it impact their education?
Guest 1: Well, homelessness itself is a big challenge for these students because they often have to move around frequently, which can disrupt their education. They might not have access to basic necessities like stable internet or proper school supplies. Additionally, they may be living in overcrowded conditions or shelters where it’s difficult to focus on their studies. These factors can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety, making it hard for them to perform academically.
Providing these students with the emotional support they need is crucial. Homelessness can be traumatic, and they need someone to talk to about their experiences. Schools can play a significant role in connecting them with mental health services and providing a positive learning environment.
Guest 2: Absolutely! It’s essential to create an inclusive and supportive environment in schools where homeless students feel heard and understood. Homelessness can lead to feelings of social isolation and embarrassment, so schools must make sure that these students don’t feel ostracized or marginalized.
In terms of academics, providing tutoring and after-school programs can help bridge the gap in education caused by frequent moves or missed school days due to homelessness. Also, having flexible policies around attendance and graduation requirements can be beneficial. However, we must remember that addressing
