Evaluation of an Intervention for Children Experiencing Homelessness Laura Nabors Irina Sumajin Joseph Zins Dana Rofey David Berberich University of Cincinnati Stephanie Brown Miami University Mark Weist University of Maryland at Baltimore ABSTRACT: This study evaluated a two-part intervention provided during a summer program for children experiencing homelessness. First, teachers and the mental health team implemented a behavior management system to reinforce positive classroom behav- iors. Second, a team of undergraduate and graduate students delivered mental health promotion services during classroom and small group activities. Mothers’ and teachers’ ratings indicated that the children’s emotional and behavioral functioning was within normal limits and did not change over the course of the program. Mothers reported higher than normal levels of family distress. Lower school achievement was related to poor behavioral and emotional functioning and attrition. Strategies to ensure that “low achievers” and children with behavior problems do not drop out of summer programs need to be developed; shelters or schools may be optimal settings for providing family- focused interventions for this population. KEY WORDS: mental health promotion services; youth; homelessness; academic achievement. The philosophy guiding the development of the mental health promo- tion activities and behavior management program described in this The authors would like to thank the University of Cincinnati for funding this project. Appreciation also is extended to staff at the summer camp and the mothers and children who participated in this project. Correspondence should be directed to Laura Nabors, Department of Psychology, Mail Location 376, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0376. Child & Youth Care Forum, 32(4), August 2003  2003 Human Sciences Press, Inc. 211