The Lived Experiences of Parent-Child Separation and Mental Health Needs Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness

Parent-child separation is common among young adult parents experiencing homelessness and has been described as traumatic, yet little is known about the parenting and separation experiences or related mental health needs among young adult parents experiencing homelessness. Using an interpretive descriptive qualitative design, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of young adult parents experiencing homelessness surrounding how mental health affects parenting, to understand experiences of parent-child separation, and to identify needed supports and services. Nineteen parenting young adults experiencing homelessness, aged 18–25, were interviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Three main themes emerged relating to parenting and mental health, which were parenting under the weight of mental health struggles, desire for healing amid barriers to mental health support, and survival priorities overshadow mental health needs. Relating to the experience of parent-child separation, three main themes emerged, which were circumstances leading to separation, impressions of CPS, and impact of separation on mental health. Findings revealed the complex nature of family separations and the salience of mental health to parenting from the perspective of young adult parents experiencing homelessness. They suggest the need for interventions to support parents’ mental health and foster family stability rather than separation. Parent-child separation is common among young parents experiencing homelessness and impacts their mental health. Mothers prioritized finding housing and financial stability over addressing mental health needs in reaching family goals. Lack of a therapeutic alliance between parents and child welfare services may limit benefits of mental health services. Adequate social support may buffer stress following parent-child separation and improve mental health in mothers.